My absolute favorite LFS closed up shop earlier this year (due to the owner's non-related legal issues, not poor sales) so I have been visiting some other stores. The place that closed always had larger specimens, the colors were brighter, fish were more active, and very few sick or dying fish (there is always going to be one). That being said, they were more expensive but I was willing to pay a premium (maybe $10-20?) for a better fish.
There are 2 more stores near me that are pretty convenient, but I am very disapointed in the quality of the livestock. I stopped at the better of the two on the way home. One yellow tang had cloudy eyes, a tomni tang and a naso tang had obvious HLLE, a foxface wouldn't come out from behind a powehead, etc. These are all out on display for sale. I've been there before and I didn't remember this (this is also consistent with the last 2 times I have been there). Also, most of the fish were very small.
The other place I would never spend my money unless I am in an emergency and need supplies (meds, etc.), because I am astonished at what they have on display for sale. I stopped in earlier this week as I was driving by. Immediately in front is a large angel with one eye (because the other was badly infected), several dead fish, dirty tank glass (don't you want me to see the fish?), and a very large (7-8") blue hippo with awful HLLE and shriveled fins. The hippo was in the larger tanks with the "showcase fish." It could barely hold itself upright. I was sickened and almost asked if I could have it for free because no one in their right mind was going to buy it, but I may be able to save it. I didn't ask because I knew the answer.
Does anyone else see this disturbing trend? My 225 is going through a reboot so I am going to be buying several fish in the near future. Is online my best bet? I've bought from Live Aquaria several times and been happy. I'd rather buy from Petco than either of these places because everything going forward is going into QT with Prazi and CP.
There are 2 more stores near me that are pretty convenient, but I am very disapointed in the quality of the livestock. I stopped at the better of the two on the way home. One yellow tang had cloudy eyes, a tomni tang and a naso tang had obvious HLLE, a foxface wouldn't come out from behind a powehead, etc. These are all out on display for sale. I've been there before and I didn't remember this (this is also consistent with the last 2 times I have been there). Also, most of the fish were very small.
The other place I would never spend my money unless I am in an emergency and need supplies (meds, etc.), because I am astonished at what they have on display for sale. I stopped in earlier this week as I was driving by. Immediately in front is a large angel with one eye (because the other was badly infected), several dead fish, dirty tank glass (don't you want me to see the fish?), and a very large (7-8") blue hippo with awful HLLE and shriveled fins. The hippo was in the larger tanks with the "showcase fish." It could barely hold itself upright. I was sickened and almost asked if I could have it for free because no one in their right mind was going to buy it, but I may be able to save it. I didn't ask because I knew the answer.
Does anyone else see this disturbing trend? My 225 is going through a reboot so I am going to be buying several fish in the near future. Is online my best bet? I've bought from Live Aquaria several times and been happy. I'd rather buy from Petco than either of these places because everything going forward is going into QT with Prazi and CP.
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