Is the marine specialist guy at my lfs dumb?

[livinlifeinBKK]

If I ask for advice on saltwater they will tell me to ask him.

I wrongly assumed it was a marine fish and coral shop only....if what you've said in the comments is in fact 100% true, just don't ask him anything and make your own decisions based on advice here or from another reefer or shop employee

 

[Beta reefs.]

fw/sw shop.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Well, buying salt brands is based around marketing. So many people tell you what's important, and if you're able to step back and actually think about it. None of what they say is important. It all boils down to wanting to corner market share.

My objective when purchasing salt is getting the best deal. And because of that, I've chosen instant ocean. And it would take a lot of convincing to make me think that spending more is going to have any benefit what so ever.

 

[Spare time]

I can't see any in those pictures but regardless... just because it looks fine to you doesn't mean the coral is healthy. So, is it dying because the starfish are eating it - or are the starfish eating it because it's dying?

I think this is an excellent point about correlation not equaling causation.

 

[Spare time]

He said that reefers that use rpm or noyos or Red Sea salt mix are idiots.He said that. Not joking.

lol that is actually pretty funny.

 

[Cthulukelele]

lol that is actually pretty funny.

I agree that it's funny. I wouldn't ever SAY that to someone, but I also wouldn't judge a fish store employee's opinion for saying it haha

 

[Dmmz]

I would not take the word of one person from a lfs instead do my research and ask questions here before I made a decision.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I responded in your other thread on this subject.

Not everyone is at the same level - and just because he is their "only saltwater" guy does not make him an expert. Take his advice, like that of any other person and do your own research. In the end he is there to sell you things and you are there to buy things... So if you know more then you don't need his input for purchases. Pretty simple

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I know it's unrelated to the original posted question, but as a general rule, I don't think it is best to get only advice from anyone in the hobby if that same person is the one who is going to sell you the solution to a problem.

They may or may not be an expert on what they sell, they may only know what the manufacturer claims, and they may not have any idea what other options are available.