Help with fish

[Mark 75g]

Just wondering if anyone else is having issues with fish dying that were purchased at Elmers. I have been having alot of issues were I buy fish there and they live for about 2 or 3 weeks and then just disappear in the tank.

Water parameters are all were they should be. All fish look great, no signs of ich or any other disease.

Just lost a male anthias. Was healthy, eating out swimming around and yesterday GONE!!!!!

I have lost atleast 5 to 6 fish since beginning of year. All from Elmers.

 

[Tswifty]

I rarely ever buy fish from Elmer's, but when I have in the past they go into QT for about a month before I add them to my display. My ex-girlfriend took out an entire tank with an impulse buy (no QT) from them about a year ago.

I primarily order online, but even then try to do some type of minimum QT time before adding any new addition to the display.

 

[PhysicsMunkey]

Sorry to hear about your fish! That's so frustrating when everything is seemingly right with the tank and things still die! I bought a baby clownfish from them about 2 months ago. He seems to be doing fine. In fact he is quite a happy little fish (I have had some moody clownfish in the past believe it or not). He lives in my frag tank and is the only fish in there. All and all he seems healthy and happy.

 

[Yinzer]

i just bought a sea hare from there on Saturday and so far so good.

 

[cloakerpoked]

Got 4 firefish..one didn't make it but the other three I see occasionally (when they decide to come out of hiding.) My sightings often coincide with feedings Guess I've had them about a month now.

 

[acer]

I was temped at a few Firefish @ $10 each after the meeting. But, I am very, very protective of my pride an joy= Bluethroat. So, NO additional fish until I get a QT tank up and running.

 

[PghFishNerd]

I got a Lawnmower Blenny there a few weeks ago and he's doing great. I have had a problem with some of their Zoas though. I've tried twice now to get a colony of pink Zoanthids from Elmers and both sets have closed up and aren't opening again. All of my other Zoas, all of which are from Elmers too, are perfectly fine. Maybe this strain of pink zoanthids that Elmer's has is really delicate? Anyone have a similar experience?

 

[vr697getta]

i have always had good experiences with fish from elmers for the past almost 4 years. now in those 4 years i have seen fish in there tank that i wouldn't buy. if the fish is not active, wont eat, or just doesn't look right i wont buy it.

 

[PghFishNerd]

i have always had good experiences with fish from elmers for the past almost 4 years. now in those 4 years i have seen fish in there tank that i wouldn't buy. if the fish is not active, wont eat, or just doesn't look right i wont buy it.

Agreed. I absolutely adore Elmer's. It's probably my favorite place in the world. The people there really know what they're talking about. The pink zoa issue is the only one I've ever had from them, and it's probably not their fault at all.

 

[vr697getta]

the anthias at elmers look very healthy and i was tempted to buy one my self.

 

[NaClH2Opgh]

I got my starry blenny at Elmer's never QT'd it and still have it over a year and half later. I get most of my fish from Wet Pets.

 

[hybridazn]

i've had my maroon clowns i bought from them for over 2 years. a purple firefish goby for about 6 months. although i did have a solar fairy wrasse die on me from them, but that kind of thing just happens

 

[Tswifty]

The people there really know what they're talking about.

I wouldn't go that far. A few ex-employees know there stuff (I believe Anthony Calfo worked there at one time), but overall I feel their saltwater/reefkeeping knowledge in general is pretty lacking. IMO, you'll do better off asking around a site like this than taking advice from the majority of LFS employees. Don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoy visiting the store and talking with a few of the employees that I have gotten to know over the years. However, when it comes to advice regarding my reef... there are only a select few people who's opinion/advice I trust.

It was mentioned more than a few times in the thread, but I highly recommend QT'ing new additions. QT'ing is a very simple practice and goes a long way to protect your previous investments, as well as increases your chances of success with the current purchase.

 

[LeviChar1]

Agreed, TSwifty. Much of their institutional knowledge and expertise has walked out the door. Their current SW manager has average knowledge. Let's hope those folks get up to speed soon, but try not to be the costly lesson that they learn. ;o)

More knowledgeable folks visit here than any LFS.

 

[PghFishNerd]

Yes I agree that there's tons of knowledge online, but I really like Scott there. (I think he's the SW manager?) He will talk with me for hours about things, even past closing time. He has yet to give me bad advice but it's not like I go there every day.

What's everyone's favorite LFS?

 

[jesterns2]

Wet Pets here

 

[Tswifty]

Salty Critter in Vermillion, OH.

 

[PghFishNerd]

Wet Pets is pretty far for me so I've never been there but I've heard a lot of good things about it. And Salty Critter, I'll have to stop there next time I'm in Ohio. Elmer's is probably still my favorite so far, but the only other one I go to frequently is Petland in Robinson. They used to have a lot of really cool stuff, but it's sort of been going downhill lately.

 

[raynist]

Salty Critter in Vermillion, OH.

Yep, Salty in Cleveland and Phishy Business in Columbus are my two favorite. If I had to pick one locally it would be Wet Pets since they are so close to me.

 

[PghFishNerd]

Yep, Salty in Cleveland and Phishy Business in Columbus are my two favorite. If I had to pick one locally it would be Wet Pets since they are so close to me.

When you buy stuff from that far away, do you guys do anything special to keep the animals safe on the trip home, like styrofoam boxes?