You know my maroon has never drawn blood. She makes a big stink though and charges at my constantly...and as far as territory goes, we are talking about at least a 3 cubic feet area. Did I mention she hates montipora??
About LFS: I know there are some really goods ones out there. But this business will tend to attract hobbyists that really know nothing about running a business. Things don't go well and then they become callous. I understand it from a business perspective and they just want you to enjoy what you buy, and get tired of explaining everything to everyone. There are so many "tourists" in fish stores, they can't afford to hire top-tier staff either.
Then they answer the phone all day to repspond to questions about product bought online. It wouold drive me crazier to say the least. I have heard the most insane things said in LFS both by staff and customers. The one I go into here is owned by a really nice guy who tends to have a high level of "acceptable loss". His prices are good for the most part, and he tries to help his clients get special items.
But he also does tank maintenance so he forgets a lot about what is going on, who he is supposed to call regarding incoming orders etc. and all-arond, the service is sub-par. Again, I have to state he is a really nice guy and a marine lover. In fact, he would much rather be diving around the world than running his store, and his underwater photography is superb.
The interesting thing is that he ad his staff are VERY careful about what they say to me and Sherman because they know we are educated about the animals we keep (or at least moreso than their average customer). So I hear them saying funny stuff to other customers but when it comes to me, I get much different reponses. Instead of calling it a "filter-feeder", they'll tel me they don't know what it eats. :lol: They are good guys so I do try to give them some business. The other LFS is just a total a-hole liar and I haven't been in his store in 18 months. I will never set foot in his store until the going-out-of-business sale. :furious:
Over near Seattle we have a decent store called Barrier Reef. It's still in a start-up phase but I trust that they will expand in the next couple of years. Prices are a little higher than over where I live, but so is the over-head. The staff is knowledgable and the tanks are very nice. Upscales in Portland is also a very nice store.
Eric, most sea stars are NOT captive reef compatible, and the ones that are require extremely stable mature reef systems to survive. Your best bet for stars is to bring in some mini-brittles. You will never see them again except in your filter socks, but they are good self-perpetuating cleanup crew. Drop in a dozen and never need to buy them again.
