Not sure what your agenda is, but it is obvious you have one. I don't understand all the hostility toward FAOIS that a very few individuals seem to spew every now and again. If you do not like John or his store, shop somewhere else. That is your choice. I guess all the hate comes from the fact that the quality of livestock, customer service, knowledge available at FAOIS exceeds any of its competition. Am I saying that FAOIS is the only good LFS in the area. Absolutely not, but someone has to be number 1 and in my opinion that is FAOIS. Obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that is mine. There is a reason I drive 35 minutes to go to FAOIS instead of less than 5 minutes to visit a closer store.
I couldn't agree more with Barfly. I used to shop at any store I saw, and always had problems. I stopped by FAOIS and John was awesome. He sat there and listened to every question I had and answered them all. Most of what he said I didn't want to hear, I explained my setup and livestock. John explained that if I wanted to be successful in this hobby, I needed to do things differently. After several months and lots of money, I had an extremely successful tank.
I had never stopped to do research I simply listened to another LFS and ended up buying crappy equipment. John was patient and honest, Too Honest. I would go into the store to buy something and John would talk me out of it, telling me I had what I needed and explained good husbandry.
I have never been to another LFS that has done that, most LFS will not even ask about your tank size, or current livestock. They are in it for the money. John cares about the customer.
Several years later, I got back into the hobby and only shop at FAOIS. I will occasionally stop by other stores, but to browse.
The moral of my story is that I am not saying that other stores are not good, but John was the only one that took the time to explain things to me, and for that I am grateful. I drive past two other LFS to get to FAOIS, and even if John is a little higher in price, the knowledge and customer service is worth it.
Keep it up the good work John,