[King Nine]

I'm in the process of having a 75 gallon tank built. I'm using a strictly saltwater aquarium dealer who seems to know his stuff. My questions is do any of you use or trust the chain store fish? I don't but would like to know if anyone does or if they are good for certain items?

[bspstang]

It's possible to find a person with knowledge at a chain store. But I don't trust their livestock.

[reefaddict]

I really feel it is better to stick with a small dealer that specializes in salt, it really pays off in the long run if you frequent their establishment and build a relationship with them. They get to know you AND your tank. They know what you have because they sold it to you. They know what problems you have worked through etc.......

[glampka]

I echo reefaddict's comments. You're only asking for problems going to a chain. Stick with the guys who REALLY know what they're doing.

[dfurbee]

There is only a small SW store here, and the owner runs it. He really gives you the shaft too! He knows nothing about SW, and all of his livestock is very overpriced. When I was there he wanted 20$ for a sallylight foot crab, and his clowns were priced over 30$ each. I said no, and am going to order off line. Wish I was back in the city, instead of stuck here in the middle of nowhere!

[King Nine]

I definately dont trust the chain stores but I was wandering if anyone knew if they were good for anything at all. Thanks for comments so far.

[bigteddyp84]

chain stores have a highly exagerrated con factor to them. I have boughten two black perculas, clown tang from a chain store which are doing better than anything. Actually the out lasted fish I got from a small dealer. With the chain stores you have to carefully examine fish before buying but they wont try to bambosal you at small dealers as i have found to be true.

[wyoreefman]

I live in the state of Wyoming and there isn't much here. We had 3 stores here who had sw fish 1 of those had live rock. All but one has closed and I am now faced with ordering off the internet for the rock. However the one lfs here is petco and I have talked to the fish manager if you will. She plans on expanding. I have purchased all my fish from them. I haven't had any problems yet. I think you have to be choosy if you do buy from a chain. look at the various tanks for dead,diseased fish ect... test the knowledge of the sales person.
I made an offer to the lady for me to work part time to help her expand. I can use the cash and experience +discounts. So I may be a chain guy soon lol.

[chappy]

Originally Posted by wyoreefman

I live in the state of Wyoming and there isn't much here. We had 3 stores here who had sw fish 1 of those had live rock. All but one has closed and I am now faced with ordering off the internet for the rock. However the one lfs here is petco and I have talked to the fish manager if you will. She plans on expanding. I have purchased all my fish from them. I haven't had any problems yet. I think you have to be choosy if you do buy from a chain. look at the various tanks for dead,diseased fish ect... test the knowledge of the sales person.
I made an offer to the lady for me to work part time to help her expand. I can use the cash and experience +discounts. So I may be a chain guy soon lol.

thats a great idea i worked for a fish store a decade ago and got frags for free
they are all now big free corals

[wyoreefman]

Yeah I kinda thought so. Besides the previously mentioned motives I am getting married in oct and need the money to go see a real reef. Figi here we come.

[King Nine]

Fascinating stuff. I wish I had time to work for one to get free frags and experience. I'm stuck doing it the old fasioned way. Send me a free frag if you get the job

[lizswiney]

I have benifited from the chain stores and the sales people with their lack of knowledge and got a 10 inch Naso Tang for 23 dollars because he had come in with the assorted tangs that were on sale and the didnt know exactly what they had. It sometimes pays to know more than the salespeople.

[lizswiney]

by the way he is doing fine today and that was 6 months ago.

[c-c]

I usually frequent the chain store if it's on my way to or from somewhere, but often leave frustrated at the lack of care for the critters or concern for the customer. They get paid whether they sell fish or not... most are not too motivated to help. They do get prices wrong sometimes. I saw PJ Cardinals for 17.99 and I told them they were too expensive, a few days later the price was changed to 7.99.

However, once in a while you can find a knowledgeable, helpful sales associate who knows his stuff.

There is always the exception.. so don't give up all hope. :rolleyes:
c-c

[chappy]

pjs for 17.99 rofl
i had to give em away buy one get 3 free after the banghi cardnals hit the market

[doctor T]

I have had good luck with the local Petco. So far the fish I have bought from them have done fairly well. I have a LFS that seems to be quite a good quality retailer but the prices are double and the stock I have purchased from them has not done any better than Petco. I have been very picky however, on the selection I have purchased from Petco. Only hardy, very healthy appearing fish and I make them feed them before I buy to make sure they have a good appetite. Mostly damsels, but also a couple of hermits and that blasted anemone, Lazarus!
DT

[angie555]

I bought almost all my lr from Petco they have a good price on it. The fish on the other hand just like the smaller stores you need to watch them for a while! Check for ich I have found it on many fish in all stores. The fish that I have bought from them are doing great. I order all my supplies on-line though if you can think ahead you can get it way cheaper eg. Phytoplan 15.99 at petco 6.99 at drsfosterssmith.com