Fish from Petco bad idea?

[JVH]

So if the fish look healthy and the tanks look clean and healthy and they don't look like they were neglected do you think it's not a bad idea to get a fish from Petco? I recently was in a small private pet store and I was quite surprised how some of the tanks looked made me want to think twice!
Want to say using my own commonsense as far as the appearance of the fish and the health of the fish and tanks that are in there is this still a bad idea to avoid Petco or Petsmart? I actually feel like I am rescuing the fish! LOL
And FYI I plan on quarantining for a few weeks to observe the fish.
Thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Not many places in my area that are close and don't want to mail order fish I can't imagine anything more stressful for them.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

I like saving fish from that god awful place. If you QT them I think you are doing a good thing :)

 

[Rhino]

I like saving fish from that god awful place. If you QT them I think you are doing a good thing :)

Same here, as long as you QT it's no problem.

 

[Amoo]

Not all PETCOs are created equal.

 

[twilliard]

Catch them when the shipments come in (here its on wed)
tell them you want to buy them before they put them in their water.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Not all PETCOs are created equal.

Unfortunately they are. I have yet to see any QT tanks or a tank to treat sick fish. When they DO get sick places like Petco, Petsmart, Walmart, and some LFS just toss them in the trash.

 

[Amoo]

The majority of LFS I've been in don't have QT tanks. Unless you live in a huge Metro area with a booming SW fish market, the only difference between a PETCO and a LFS can be the quality of people. FWIW The PETCO near me is nicer then the 2 LFS.

 

[nazzman]

The local Petco near me has a couple of employees that really care about what they are doing and they have fish under observation for 2 weeks before placing for sale . I was told that all there fish come from same supplier as Live Aquaria now that them teamed up they also have frags for sale that are a bit over priced but everything is clean and looks OK trust your gut there are plenty of LFS that there tanks look horrible

 

[reefndude]

I've bought fish from petco. I do quarantine and all fish are doing well.

 

[JVH]

Thank you one and all! My local aquarium shop has been so disappointing lately more than one time I have seen a floating fish I don't care how busy you are get it out! Here allergy in a couple of times I was so turned off I thought the last time I was at Petco their tanks looked pretty good and as long as I'm quarantining I should be OK but I just needed to hear that from some of you guys as well!
Got to go, just pulled up to Petco! LOL will post pics if I get anything

 

[LetItReef]

All of our Fish were from Petco and No issues.

 

[JVH]

Well, I actually picked up 2 fish. The fish manager was actually from a very big well know private store and all the tanks are beautiful and clean and not over crowded. I was pleasantly surprised! So I got one on my list Red hawk fish and one not but had so much personality! A small Picasso trigger fish. I'm so excited. They are dripping right now and I hope to get some pics up. They will look great in my 68G

 

[9balliw]

All of the stores are not created equal. It only takes 1 or more employees with knowledge and that care to make a difference the one near me has made a huge improvement recently because of 1 person :D

 

[JVH]

OK here are my new additions! Red hawk fish peeking around A piece of coral and my small Picasso trigger fish. He is the coolest looking fish with beautiful markings since he's a hearty fish and he was moved around in different tanks I decided to put him right in my main display tank..they told me the damsels were attacking him so they moved him a couple of times and that he was very peaceful and got along with everybody well as soon as he went in my tank my Midas blenny opened his mouth as wide as I ever seen it and put up quite a fuss! Hopefully they will all figure out their territory and get along I would hate to have to take him out he is a beautiful addition!I am hoping to get him in my new tank within 10 days

 

[Breakthecycle2]

I'm pretty sure that the trigger isn't reef safe and will get nasty. Just a heads up.

 

[jolt]

Petco is actually the only place in town where I can observe a fish for weeks before buying it. If a fish I want appears healthy and is eating after a few weeks at Petco then I will try to grab it when they have a 30% off sale. Of course I QT it. I've never lost one that I bought this way from Petco, and nothing nasty has been introduced into the DT either. Having said that, there is really only one Petco out of the 3 that are close to me that I would consider buying from; they are definitely NOT all equal.

 

[JVH]

I'm pretty sure that the trigger isn't reef safe and will get nasty. Just a heads up.

The label on the tank said reef safe and there were a few frags in there but who knows! He had a territory issue with my Midas blenny but after a few strong showing from blenny, everyone seems to know there place.. At least for now! That can obliviously all change!

 

[miyags]

You need to QT all fish regardless of appearance. I personally treat all fish. As far as Petco goes, you cant beat the price of there fish. I bought alot of fish from them and my 2-20gal hospital tanks and my 40gal holding tank. Remember Dr foster & smith is now owned by Petco.

 

[9balliw]

The trigger will probably just eat clean up crew not much else

 

[4FordFamily]

If you're prepared and experienced enough to treat all incoming fish (not just from petco from everywhere) and willing to potentially throw away your money, go for it!