Dick's "Nine Simple Rules" to buying fish.
We've all done it!!! Bought fish on impulse only to be sorry and usually poorer later. Money wasted in an expensive hobby is counter productive. If you want to wast money, send it to me!!! :rotfl:
Here are my rules when looking to purchase a fish. Yes, I follow my rules.
1. Look past the beauty. Most of us see the beauty in the fish and buy it. In my lifetime, I have interrupted many people looking to buy an obviously sick or distressed fish. I'll walk up to them and say, "I wouldn't buy that fish, if it were my choice". That leads to a conversation about why. It gave me many opportunities to teach a newbie a lesson and gain a friend. So, look past the beauty is lesson number one.
2. Thoroughly look for external parasites. If visible, avoid it like the plaque. It isn't that you can't cure it with quarantine, copper, dips and a good feeding regimen. You risk contaminating your home tank environment no matter how careful you are. It isn't worth it.
3. Always request to see the fish eat. If the LFS refuses for any reason or excuse, don't buy it. Tell the LFS, you will not be buying it for that reason!
4. Put a hold on the fish for 24 hours minimum, longer if possible. You could say, "Would you hold this fish for a couple of days for me?". If they agree, make sure they mark the tank that that fish is sold, with your name on it. If there are multiple specimens choose one and be sure it's marked properly. There may be six specimens but you may want a specific one. If it isn't there when you go back, be skeptical of the rest and willing to walk away.
5. Never buy on impulse. Ha!!! This is so hard to resist but, so important. That's one reason for putting a hold on the fish. You need time to check your emotions besides allowing the fish to show it's true colors. Don't be afraid to go back to the LFS and decline the fish. Make sure you are ready to quarantine and that the fish "fits" your display tank.
6. Research. While the fish is on hold, do your research on the fish. Ask yourself questions, can I take care of this fish? Is it appropriate for my system? Is it's ADULT size compatible with my current tank? Never buy a fish that "fits" into your current tank on the basis that you are going to upgrade before it outgrows your current system. The future is totally unpredictable, live in the now. There will be another specimen of that fish when your system is appropriate. Trying to stunt it is not an option, it's cruelty.
7. System readiness. First prerequisite last on the list because system readiness should be a given. If you are in the aquarium hobby, your system's working ability should be top notch, fine tuned and ready for anything with few exceptions (like power failures).
Following these seven simple rules will help bring more enjoyment and less expense to your reefing hobby. It will make the statement, "Happy Reefing" more than a cliché.
Happy Reefing!
Dick
You run the risk buying on line.
The Internet is becoming a viable option in buying livestock for our DTs.
Be sure you realize, you take the responsibility for your purchase as soon as you click the buy button.
Yep, they have a live arrival guarantee. For the most part it's worth less than the cyber space it's written on. Usually, 99% of the time, it states, "credit will be given on your next order". Do you see what they just did??? You want your money's worth so you place another order. It's a game of "Gotcha".
That isn't to say there aren't good on-line suppliers. It's a warning that you are responsible to research first. How do you research on-line suppliers? Ask here if anyone has had experience with the on-line supplier you're thinking about using. It doesn't guarantee your order will be handled properly but could help you avoid a "bad" supplier. They are out there in "cyber land".
Happy Reefing.
Dick
