I totally agree with you Wally but, failed to include the on-line sources. Thank you for pointing that out. What I've seen over the years of being in this business is enough to make a grown man cry. I've been in hundreds and maybe even thousands of
LFSs across this country.
Few deserve our business on livestock. Unfortunately, we have few other choices. The on-line sources could be your worst choice for livestock because you don't get a chance to observe the fish beforehand. They offer what appears to be generous guarantees, from "live arrival" to 15 days and sometimes more. Looks good right? Wrong!!! You'll find out
none offer money back but instead offer
credit on
your next order. They hook you into repeat orders because they know most of us cannot stand to leave that money hanging out there in never-never land. After all
it's our money and they owe it to us! Been there, done that, not going to do it again!!!
Quote:
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Originally Posted by fat walrus i believe that the best source of livestock is still from your lfs. you just have to be educated in selecting the store that you wish to deal with. |
I agree here, too Wally. Not only do you have to educate yourself in selecting the store but, educate yourself in how to evaluate the specific fish, coral or invert you are considering buying. I tell people, learn how to
look beyond the beauty and see the defects (diseases). Some are so obvious it's ridiculous and others are not so noticeable. Observe the behavior of the fish you want, overtime. It will show you whether it's healthy by it's actions. Ask the store employee to feed it. If they give you some lame excuse or the fish ignores food, you simply have to walk away. That fish is probably doomed. Let the
LFS absorb the cost, not you. Also,
sad but true, in most cases the
LFS is the worst place to get accurate advice on marine aquariums. I can't believe what I've heard
LFS employees tell customers. It's appalling.
When or
if you are fortunate to find a
responsible LFS then they deserve your business and you should honor them with it. You should consider yourself fortunate. You may pay more (none of us like having to do that) but in the long run you will come out better.
