CHoffman

Here is their Website
http://www.seadreams.us/freshwater.html
This is a awesome LFS. They have a HUGE building. They have freshwater and saltwater. Wide variety of fish also. They were readily available for any questions I had. I was curious about a fish type and they have a "ID guy" on hand. He was very knowledgeable and they give good sound advise. They don't recommend fish if it's not suitable for your tank, I overheard a employee discouraging a woman from buying a fish that would grow to large for her tank. So I give this place a thumbs up and will be going there again.

Emory

Wow! Now that looks like a nice store. Holy smokes!

CHoffman

It is nice...I like it alot.

Peterpiper

Sorry but I dont like them at all,
Read what they say to do to cycle the tank.
" ADDING STARTER FISH " ( SALT WATER ) In section 9
Quote
"As soon as possible add Damsels, You should add 1 fish for every 10 gallons.
Since these fish are starter fish don't begin to name them.
Some times all the fish live, but usually half die. Sometimes they all die but this is normal.
This is all part of starting the natural cycle in your tank."
End Quote..
I am sorry, I respect life and will not let a fish suffer and die so that I can enjoy an aquarium.
I dont know what good it will do, but I will be sending them an email in regards to their method of cycling and show them which methods should be used " FISHLESS ".
I will keep my cool and hope they change their methods.

The fresh water is the same.. wonder how many people have used this advice

CHoffman

I honestly didn't even see that. I totally agree with you in every aspect. I didn't talk to them about cycling or over hear anything while I was there. But I do agree you should send them a email..I will do the same. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

CHoffman

I tried sending this email to them but it said it was disabled due to malicious use but would be up soon.

I had reviewed your store on a forum I belong to because I was very impressed when I visted recently. It was brought to my attention on the same forum that you instruct people to use fish to cycle. There is a more humane, cheaper, faster way to cycle a tank that I'm sure your aware of. I would suggest putting instructions for a fishless cycle using ammonia on your website instead of incouraging customers to use fish. Again I was very impressed with the customer service and the store itself I just think this part of your buisness could be improved. Thank you for taking the time to read my email.
Cescha Hoffman

Peterpiper

Copy of the email sent
Dear sir / madam
I am sending this email in the hope, that you will change the advice you are giving in regards to using live fish to cycle tanks.
There are a number of methods that do not involve the use of live fish, the best is to use ammonia to cycle the tank. It is a quick and clean method. I have read up on the team you have there, and I am surprised that this information is still given to your customers.
You will lose sales for your "starter fish".
Maybe you could cycle coral rubble (using the ammonia method)and sell it so people add it to there sumps or filter. make up for the lose of starter fish $.
I for one will not let a fish suffer and die so I can enjoy an aquarium.
As I live in Australia, it is not likly that I will ever see your store. Yet I have seen it on the internet and on the forums.
If I can be of any help in regards to fishless cycling then please email me.
Regards Peter

Will see if they respond

CHoffman

How did you get it to send Mine wouldn't .I clicked on the link to "contact us"

Peterpiper

Mine didnt send, I did a copy and past on the post before I pressed send so I woud not need to retype it again but I posted here, then went back to their site to send it off..

panda

i would like to say that i used starter fish long before i ever found sea dreams, and that those particular fish that i used are mostly bought as bait fish to be jammed on hooks or eaten by other fish, i've never actually seen starter fish die, but i don't think you are being fair on the matter. as cruel as i think humanity is to the animal kingdom, i don't agree with you on this matter.

obviously the tank should go through at least 10 days water cycle before any animals are added. freshwater or saltwater.

MissMTS

Cescha and Peter, I think that it is great that you guys contacted the store. If the email doesn't work, maybe try sending a letter via snail mail.

Panda, we are not judging someone who uses starter fish. Most people do it because that is all they know to do. We are just simply saying that a business should educate their customers on humane treatment of animals and not just try to get more sales. Yes animal cruelty exists, but it does not mean that it is right. Doing fishless cycling is similar to buying cage free eggs at the grocery store, purchasing a puppy that is not from a puppy mill, and not buying products that are tested on animals. Not everyone takes these small steps to help animals, but I respect those who do.

CHoffman

Hi Panda,
It's ok to disagree with withsome, everyone has different view points, mine just happens to be why harm a living creature if you dont' have too. ..I'm just curious though what would waiting 10 days do??

Shawnie

wow kate that was said so brilliantly!! and worded so much like alot of us feel....although others will feel differently, as fish arent seen as animals that feel pain to some...but I commend you on this and the way you come across!!

cesch...it does look like a great store!!! and im sure the way you talked about them and their professionalism, they probably will change their views on cycling with fish as they seem to care about them...thanks for sharing the link!

agabr123

neat, i may have to make a trip to kansas!

CHoffman

Yeah, It is a good LFS...I posted this a couple of months back and I've been back several times..I've always heard them giving good advice and even refusing to sell certain fish to people with inappropriate tanks. I'm still very impressed with this LFS.

agabr123

that's incredible! it's always good to hear about LFS that actually know what they're doing