nate21887

Ok so i thought i seen this somewhere else but cant seem to find the thread again..hopefuly im posting correctly here. my question is, what should I look for in my local fish/pet store? What do you look for personally and any sure signs that i should be runnin for the door? Certain things to ask before buying fish? I have a few local pet stores and a marine whole saler within 10 minutes of me, but im just unsure of anyone in them for fear of dishonest advice in an attemt to just make a sale. any and all advice/opinions will be greatly appreciated. thanks nate

Naeusu

Look and see if the tanks are overstocked, if the specimens are in good general condition, and if the tanks are overgrown with algae (the bad kind). Ask how long some of the people have been involved with fish and how extensive their knowledge might be. Act like someone who doesn't know anything about fish or how to keep them and see how they treat and (hopefully) try to teach you and what advice they would give.

nate21887

Thanks Naeusu! I stopped at one today and the tanks seemed in pretty fair condition, no dead fish, but the clerk wasnt busy so when i proceeded to ask him a few questions he acted as though it was a real problem anwsering my questions, in a arrogant manner as if i should just know. Which that in its self was enough to make me wanna not return. Thanks for the advice. Anymore advice would be great! any one got specific routine when purchasing new live stock?

Meenu

Awesome question. I like a friendly store which knowledgable staff. I also am looking for clean tanks, good maintenance, not a bunch of dead fish.

I always ask when the fish shipments came in. I don't want to buy fish the first day they were put into the store's tank, because it is too traumatic for them to acclimate to the store's water and then yours in the same day. I also ask how long those particular fish have been in the store, any illnesses or deaths in the tank, etc. You need a store that you can trust to answer these questions honestly.

David C

If you see any fish you like, be sure to ask to see them be fed. If the employees don't want to do this, there's probably a reason (i.e. the fish won't eat and they don't want you to see that). Also see what their policy is for holding fish for you. I normally place a hold on any fish I want and check on them every couple of days. If they're still looking good and eating well a week later, then I'll take them home. Most good shops won't have a problem with holding a fish for you.

Dave

nate21887

awesome guys! i was wonderin about the holdin fish policy so i could keep an eye on them but didn't know if that would be bad...The above mentioned store has a sister store in a neighboring town and was alot better. The staff was super friendly, one guy was super knowledgable about marine, they had a in store reef which he said had been set up for about 8 years, he was actually starting to feed them and invited me to follow him along and chat. So all seemed well at this store even gave me his card with his schedule to find him if i need anything, so i believe i found my local supplier. My next question is..there is a fish whole sale outlet about 15 mins away, these guys usually ok to deal with?

mel7967

If you live anywhere near Canton there is a really good LFS there. I dont get there too often, it's a little bit farther away than is practicalfor me but the owner was extremely helpful and easy going. Answered lots of questions and he gave the same answers I read people give on this forum. Had so many rows of tanks and they were all very well maintained. Wide variety of fresh and salt

I copied the link
http://www.bing.com/local/details.as...Aquarium+store

Oops, I just read the reviews on that website. Apparently it has changed ownership since I was last there and the old customers aren't fond of the new one. That's too bad! Maybe it still has good variety and clean tanks.

nate21887

yea canton is bit of a drive for me, i live just south of dayton. thanks for the info though mel.