Fish died, LFS response

[Reef Johnson]

Bought 5 fish including 3 mollies, Atlantic Pygmy Angel, and Coral Beauty Angel to add to an existing, stable tank with 14 other fish. Drip aclimated late in the afternoon and all 5 were added and seemed OK. An existing Pygmy Yellowtail Angel was a little perturbed at the angels but seemed OK as the lights were going down within a couple hours of the addition. The next morning, the Coral Beauty was dead, and was now hermit crab food. Called the LFS (first time to this store) and they said it was probably aggression, and that can happen. Nothing else. Does your LFS offer any credit or ??

 

[StartingATank]

My lfs doesn’t give anything if a fish died recently after I got it, only if it dies on the trip there, and even then it is iffy

 

[exnisstech]

30 seconds or 30 feet whichever comes first seems to be standard warranty. Even many shipped fish only have an arrive alive guarantee. There are just too many things out of their control to offer much more than that and still try to be profitable I think.
I miss live aquaria when Foster and Smith owned them. When I started the hobby I bought all my fish there because they offered a 14 day arrive alive stay alive guarantee and stood behind it. Its pretty much unheard of these days but I get why.

 

[KrisReef]

In more than one situation, I have worked or helped operate LFS's that sold all kinds of marine and freshwater livestock. As expensive as fish are now, it is next to impossible for the average LFS to offer any warranty and stay in business and remain competitive. Brick and mortar pays too much rent.

 

[Tcook]

I would also always use an acclimation box. Lights going down is not a peaceful time. Fish jockey position for places to sleep. Pretty rough for a newcomer with another angel in the tank.

 

[Reef Johnson]

Good points all. And, I wrongly assumed it was peaceful at lights out. Next time I'll go with the acclimation box.
*found out there is an LFS near my home where a fatal within 24 hours could offer a partial store credit if you bring in the fish and water for testing

 

[JayM]

My LFS has no official warranty, but they also understand stuff happens and will typically offer some sort of credit or a replacement depending on the circumstances.