Lets Make An Lfs Encounters Thread

I have had better luck. 5 out of I think 28 were male. Yea the frog thing that's new.

 

I've seen seen Asian dwarf and clawed frogs sold before, but never in cups.

 

I went to a store the other week and they had baby axolotls in betta cups. Besides that, their other stock (which also included caimen and a nile crocodile) seemed in good health

 

Those are the salamanders that are like stuck in the larvae form right? That's disappointing
A croc!? That's definitely a first

 

Those are the salamanders that are like stuck in the larvae form right? That's disappointing
A croc!? That's definitely a first

The ones with the feathery external gills. Adults were in a large tank, but the conditions of those babies...

And yes! That was certainly interesting! They had at least two or three and a bunch of caimen.

It was definitely an interesting place, they had a 20,000 gallon sump under the floor.

Caiman

 

I would just like to comment that I think that management is mostly to blame for a positive or negative experience. The aquatics managers at my Petsmarts are both very kind and knowledgeable, but most importantly they make sure that their employees are well informed about the fish they sell. Sometimes they may not know about other fish but they know their stock. However the Petco aquatics Manager is very laid back and his diseased tanks show it.

Likewise I’ve also been to Mom and Pop shops where the owner will tell me everything I need to know about fishkeeping so I continue to visit these shops. Other Mom and Pop shops obviously lack knowledge on their stock and just try to push the sale so I usually avoid these and ask one of the other shops to order a specific fish for me.

I personally prefer to support Mom and Pop shops but ultimately I go to the store that will give me the healthiest fish. Plus some employees know me by name so I always like to talk and hang out with them. Also like david1978 I sometimes lie to people I’m not familiar with just to save myself the time. What they don’t know won’t hurt them

 

I went to a store the other week and they had baby axolotls in betta cups. Besides that, their other stock (which also included caimen and a nile crocodile) seemed in good health

They had a WHAT NOW!?!?!?

How does a pet store even manage to get a nile crocodile!? I've seen some reptile stores get caimans, but a nile croc is definitely something I've never even fathomed that people could keep as a pet. Though then again, I shouldn't be surprised. I love reptiles like crazy and will undoubtedly become a reptile owner someday, but man, some reptile keepers just have an obsession with keeping reptiles that should not be pets ever. Kinda like some fish keepers, actually.

 

The ones with the feathery external gills. Adults were in a large tank, but the conditions of those babies...

And yes! That was certainly interesting! They had at least two or three and a bunch of caimen.

It was definitely an interesting place, they had a 20,000 gallon sump under the floor.

Caiman
View attachment 524650

I suppose it's good that they're at least trying to take care of the crocs. Doubt they'll be sold quickly too.
I could never imagine a poor axolotl being stuck in a cup. They're quite an interesting aquatic friend too despite their poor sight

 

Just curious, are you in the U.S. The_fishy ? I'm surprised that's legal

 

I'm not surprised about caimans and crocs being sold, after living in Texas. I remember a reptile store was selling dwarf caimans and other exotics. One place had an actual tiger for sale. It was like a zoo. Even a pet shop inside a mall was selling lemurs and prairie dogs. Considering reptile enthusiasts can purchase dangerous, venomous snakes, it's really no surprise.

If anyone is in the NYC area, there's a very popular fish store in Flushing called Monster Aquarium. Literally, they sell monsters. It even sells fishes depicted in the show River Monsters. I saw Goonch Catfish, Alligator Gar, Goliath Tiger Fish, and even juvenile Arapaima sold there.

 

I'm not surprised about caimans and crocs being sold, after living in Texas. I remember a reptile store was selling dwarf caimans and other exotics. One place had an actual tiger for sale. It was like a zoo. Even a pet shop inside a mall was selling lemurs and prairie dogs. Considering reptile enthusiasts can purchase dangerous, venomous snakes, it's really no surprise.

Did you just say there was a tiger for sale!

 

Did you just say there was a tiger for sale!

Yup. The store sold some pretty interesting animals, including terrestrial crabs and a ton of snakes and spiders I've never seen before.

 

I thought about things like that, just never imagined a croc or gator being considered a pet.
Not surprising when you consider that people keep bears, tigers, and stuff like that though.

 

the stock and such I buy is typically good(I try my best to ensure it), but I wouldn’t say the advice from fish stores near me is good at all... well, perhaps one employee. He’s always been pretty knowledgeable, but beyond that I’m not certain about the others.

I reccently had one of the employees ask what I was keeping with the shrimp I was purchasing and he gave some advice. He didn’t necessarily do anything rude or the like, but I’m really not one who likes unasked for advice. It’s not a pride thing or anything of the sort, just that if I’m going to do something, even if it’s against the norm or reccomended, I’ll research it and make an educated decision. So very little that you can say or advise will get me to change my mind as I’ve likely already heard it and researched whether or not it’s truly viable or there’s other sides to that opinion.

I do understand most people likely aren’t like this and will buy without thinking or are new to the hobby, so I appreciate the effort. But when you start having to get interrogated(not saying this is what happened in my situation, but with other people’s expereinces and the like) to purchase a fish... well, do expect me to take my business else where.

There was another time when I was at petco instead (don't go to petsmart much anymore) I overheard a trainee in aquatics say the dreaded "inch per gallon" and I was torn in half between ignoring it (and letting some fish suffer) or correcting her (but that'd be rude, and I couldn't make her look bad in front of a customer)
I eventually just walked away

If you are respectful, you will not be rude. Perhaps just don’t correct them persay, but give the customer the reasons why you disagree and what you would suggest. If you do it this way, the only way you’ll be taken rudely is if the employee is immature.

I just outright lie to the store. Yep their going into their own 5 gallon tank so they don't drown or fight. Its easy just tell them what they want to hear and move on. If I told them the truth I dought they would sell me fish.

I suppose I just don’t feel right about lying, particularly over such small matters lol. If I continue to get interrogated over these issues then I’ll just save up and purchase online where you don’t have to write an essay on what tank they’ll be going in. XD

What would y'all do if you heard someone say the inch per gallon rule
Walk away like I did? Or correct them?

Probably walk away. I mean, if the customer is responsible they’ll know it’s a foolish guideline and properly research.

Sadly after the nemo movie many many nemos and dories were put in freshwater bowls. The lfs we had at the time had to put up a big sign. These are saltwater fish. Thank you for your understanding. Yea sad situation.

I have never understood this. Do people not understand what the ocean is? They are in an ocean... ocean means saltwater. How can you be so foolish?

I've seen seen Asian dwarf and clawed frogs sold before, but never in cups.

I’ve seen craryfish but not frogs or axotlis in cups.

I'm not surprised about caimans and crocs being sold, after living in Texas. I remember a reptile store was selling dwarf caimans and other exotics. One place had an actual tiger for sale. It was like a zoo. Even a pet shop inside a mall was selling lemurs and prairie dogs. Considering reptile enthusiasts can purchase dangerous, venomous snakes, it's really no surprise.

If anyone is in the NYC area, there's a very popular fish store in Flushing called Monster Aquarium. Literally, they sell monsters. It even sells fishes depicted in the show River Monsters. I saw Goonch Catfish, Alligator Gar, Goliath Tiger Fish, and even juvenile Arapaima sold there.

That’s honestly very saddening... I don’t understand how it’s legal to sell such large and dangerous predators as pets. It’s rather inhumane IMO.

 

They, probably heard that it is possible for mollies to adjust to saltwater somewhere and decided that if one fish can do it, they all can, even the other way around

 

There is a fish store around where I grew up that had crocs when I was in highschool (early 2000s) not sure if they still do. I haven't been there in years! As I am typing this it makes me want to venture out that way to check it out.

The LFS I shop at is great. It is a family owned store that has been around for years. the owner is always on the floor and will talk to you forever if you let her. Before I ever got my tanks I would go there just to kill time and just check everything out. They have a ton of 'display' tanks set up to get ideas and inspiration from. It actually really helped to talk to her weeks prior to actually purchasing my first tank and equipment as she was happy to answer all of my questions. They have their female bettas in sororities and their axolotls are in a huge tank as well. They are also pretty active on facebook which is nice. Prior to my discovery of fishlore when I had a sick fish I had messaged them on facebook and they got back to me almost immediately with help so I was really appreciative of that.

 

I wish I had one like that near me!

 

I wish I had one like that near me!

Honestly the only complaint I could possibly think of is just around the holidays it gets super crazy there (no surprise)

I wish I had one like that near me!

It is definitely nice! I remember as a kid coming to this store with my parents (they had a saltwater tank) and it always felt so far away in the car but now it is less than 10 minutes from my house. I will say though the fact that it IS so close makes it a lot easier for me to convince myself that I need more plants or a different food or a trip to the store 'just because' being its so close. Especially right now while I have fish in QT I sit here and think what else can I add? haha. good problem to have I guess

 

Just curious, are you in the U.S. The_fishy ? I'm surprised that's legal

Yup, I am. This was a small business store in Pittsburgh, PA.

They also had alligator gar, some adult oscars, African butterfly fish, and red-bellied piranhas.

The employees seemed very knowledgeable from the conversations I overheard, which makes the baby axolotl situation even more saddening

 

Interesting, especially for a small business not a chain store

 

Yup, I am. This was a small business store in Pittsburgh, PA.

They also had alligator gar, some adult oscars, African butterfly fish, and red-bellied piranhas.

The employees seemed very knowledgeable from the conversations I overheard, which makes the baby axolotl situation even more saddening

in pittsburgh by any chance?

 

The GOOD
I have 5 privately owed stores within 30 minutes of my house . Fish, plant and product selection all great. Also have Petsmart locally and had a good experience 2 weeks ago. I usually only get other pet supplies from them but always check out the fish. They had Roseline danios and bristle nose plecos and I was looking to add both to my tank. The lady running the fish dept was very nice and knowledgeable asking me all the right questions and good answers to my questions. Currently I have 3 danios and a bristlenose in quarantine all doing well.

The BAD and Ugly.
The local PETCO recently closed their doors and I was constantly checking liquidation sales. While in the fish depth a customer had a 15 gal starter kit and was talking to the salesman about which fish to purchase. Based on his advise he was selling her some glow tetras. When he walked away I asked if she had an established tank set up. She planned on using the tank she was purchasing figuring she only needed to fill it and put in the fish. I briefly explained to her why the fish would not last if she did that. I then told the sales person he was selling her fish without having a cycled tank. Long story short thankfully she did not purchase the fish.

 

in pittsburgh by any chance?

Sorry, I think I edited my post after you quoted. It is in Pittsburgh.

 

Sorry, I think I edited my post after you quoted. It is in Pittsburgh.

Aqua World? If so we were both talking about the same store haha!

 

Aqua World? If so we were both talking about the same store haha!

It is! I was just there on the 19th. I’m from Maryland, but going to college in PA. Me and my boyfriend decided to go on a little adventure there since it wasn’t terribly far away (like an 1hr 10min).

 

It is! I was just there on the 19th. I’m from Maryland, but going to college in PA. Me and my boyfriend decided to go on a little adventure there since it wasn’t terribly far away (like an 1hr 10min).

That's great! I haven't been there in years but used to go a lot when I was in highschool. Not sure which direction your school is in but the store I was referencing in my original comment is east of Pittsburgh (in Monroeville) called Elmer's. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you haven't already!

 

That's great! I haven't been there in years but used to go a lot when I was in highschool. Not sure which direction your school is in but the store I was referencing in my original comment is east of Pittsburgh (in Monroeville) called Elmer's. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you haven't already!

I went to Elmer’s last semester! That one is a bit closer (only 40min) and probably my favorite between the two. I was really tempted by their driftwood selection and ended up buying a weirdly long small tank from there.

 

I went to Elmer’s last semester! That one is a bit closer (only 40min) and probably my favorite between the two. I was really tempted by their driftwood selection and ended up buying a weirdly long small tank from there. View attachment 524769

Such a small world haha and your tank looks great!

 

Thanks!

 

There was once a lfs that tried to get me to buy bullfrog tadpoles for a pond guess they were thinking I knew nothing. The same store also tried to sell me a peppermint shrimp for 23 bucks by labeling it as a fire shrimp. The store has nice looking healthy systems but everything they do is a cash grab.

 

I have some rules I adhere to when I am at a shop. Strangely, I apply these same rules when I'm looking at buying a guitar, too.

First is I never buy from any shop I haven't visited at least twice, just to see how they take care of their tanks. I like to see active maintenance of the tanks, species appropriate segregation, nothing dead, generally clean substrate, etc... I like to go back a few weeks after the first visit just to make sure I didn't catch them on a good day.

I also pay no attention to *anyone* unless specifically asked. That's mostly for my own sanity. If I need advice, I'm not taking it from a stranger, and I'm not going to interject myself in someone else's business generally. I get in, do what I need, and then leave.

I try not to buy "specialty" fish from box stores, either. I'll buy dither fish, plants, and equipment from box stores all day long, but if I'm picking up Discus or something like that, I want to buy from a place that specializes a little bit.

So my good: It's been a while, but there used to be a locally owned shop in Burien that I swear was owned by a Hobbit. Dude had a beard down to his knees, never wore shoes, spoke in grunts, and based on the way he smelled, may have last bathed sometime just after the Viet Nam war ended. But that dude knew Discus like no one's business. His tanks were pristine and he had his own strain that he bred for sale. I'd go in there and just stare at these happy healthy cichlids, and watch other folks come in, take a look around, and make a beeline for the exit. I'm pretty sure that place isn't open any more, which is sad, but it was great while it lasted.

 

Messaged my LFS about Emerald Corys and she told me they got in 25 from a local breeder that stated they are C Splendens. She then messaged me that they are pretty sure they are actually Bronze (which from this wonderful forum I have learned can be a common mistake). I am glad they were up front about it instead of trying to sell them as emeralds, she even said they are pricing them as Bronze at $2.99 a fish. Makes me wonder if they paid the breeder for Emeralds? I think I’m still going to go up there and check them out.

 

They probably did, then had to clear it up with the breeder they came from. They're probably worth looking at though

 

They probably did, then had to clear it up with the breeder they came from. They're probably worth looking at though

Yeah I am definitely still going to see them! I love all the corys, it is so hard to decide haha

 

Was just at a fairly popular LFS in PA this afternoon. They were insanely busy so I wandered around while waiting for my # to be called to get fish.
Overheard an employee explaining to a customer why goldfish were not a good choice for their 5 gallon tank.
I wanted to thank the employee for trying to educate but he was too busy. I didn’t see his name but I will call the store and commend them on a good employee.

 

Yes! Let's keep up some positive stories so this doesn't become a store bashing thread

 

Was just at a fairly popular LFS in PA this afternoon. They were insanely busy so I wandered around while waiting for my # to be called to get fish.
Overheard an employee explaining to a customer why goldfish were not a good choice for their 5 gallon tank.
I wanted to thank the employee for trying to educate but he was too busy. I didn’t see his name but I will call the store and commend them on a good employee.

May I ask which store?? I am from PA so I wonder if it's one I frequent!

 

May I ask which store?? I am from PA so I wonder if it's one I frequent!

That Fish Place in Lancaster

 

I took a contract job in Louisville. Was sitting on too many Celestial Pearl Danios for my LFS to buy so I brought about a hundred with me. asked the owner of a local fish store there if he wanted (free) some. He immediately said no. no biggie, but the guy had no idea what they were. He missed out.

Yes! Let's keep up some positive stories so this doesn't become a store bashing thread

Wahoo! Was in my LFS and the owner took the time to show me his breeder tanks in the back.

Have another one..I sold my guppy strain to them and came in a few days later to see they used my last name to name them. I rolled laughing when I saw that.

One more. I saw a beautiful 75 gallon tank in an oak stand. One of a kind type of thing. Looks like a solid dresser or something. Anyway, One of the employees put it in the back of his truck after work and helped me get it set in the house. All for free.

I live an a metro area and we have two LFS stores that I can think of. Everything else is canned. One of the LFS stores is close to home. I am really lucky to have them so close. They’ll run free water tests for anyone that brings in a sample. Staff are very knowledgeable and most have been there for over 7 years. The owner takes care of the employees. They’ll order any fish you want and will point blank tell you what they think of the supplier.

Because of the lack of competition, they aren’t pushing the sales. You’ll get sound advise which is great for the newbie. They are just a classy outfit all the way around.

It’s good to be me!

 

So at my lfs they prefer you to bring in a water sample with dead fish so they can make sure the tank is cycled, but you can also just bring it if you want. Well they've been pushing the first half of that a lot more recently and some guy didn't bring any in with his fish the employee asks "Sir do you have a water sample for me to test?"
"No, what for?" "I need to make sure your tank is cycled before I give you a refund. To do that I need some water to test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates."
"Why's that so important?" "You really shouldn't put fish in un-cycled tanks, they have ammonia and nitrites in the water, which can be deadly to the fish."
"Well I don't bother testing that , they're either swimming or they're not"
She then turned white, then bright red, asked another employee to explain cycling some more, then went to help someone else. Unfortunately the guy got his refund/exchange since he started causing a scene with the other employee. I heard them say they'll have the manager deal with him next time he brings in a dead fish after he left