Questionable ethics from retailers.

[longranger]

I am relatively new to this hobby but already have concluded that the saltwater fish industry and retailers have more misinformation, disease and customer abuse than other hobbies I have enjoyed.

My first frustration is not knowing how fish were collected. As I understand it many methods virtually guarantee a high % mortality even if the fish appears perfect at the LFS.

Second most fish stores run low levels of copper and who knows what else that probably does a number on the poor fish.

Worst of all the so called experts at the fish stores keep saying that you cannot have an ICH free tank so don't even bother trying. Direct quote is that every tank always has ich and it comes out due to stress. Ignorance UGH. If they are right big bummer but my scientific side tells me that the advice on this forum is far more reliable. I am grateful for it and will continue to post and ask questions.

Am I being too hard on my LFS owners??

 

[MrTuskfish]

The guy with the ich advice is an idiot. Most long-time hobbiests have ich-free tanks. I have about 1000 gallons worth. The key is to quarantine all new fish. Simple, but most new hobbyists don't quarantine until they have problems. IMO, this is the #1 reason for the high turnover in our hobby. I have no problem with small amounts of copper, its almost impossible to buy a fish that hasn't seen copper along the way. I refuse to buy any fish unless I know the origin, there are still collection sites to avoid, IMO. \

Its sad, I remember when the LFS was a great place for info on the hobby. With a few exceptions, this just isn't the case any longer. Its just economics 101. The LFS can't compete with the Petcos and the great online retailers. If they have a tank maintenance business, they may survive here and there. I've bought all of my fish and supplies online for many years and I've never seen better customer service, in any business. The Drs. Foster & Smith companies (LA, DD, F&S) are incredible. Blue Zoo and marine depot are great too.

Remember that when getting advice; forums are opinions and experience. Nothing more. A few good books on are hobby can go a long way in making the hobby fun & easier. Yes, books still exist.

 

[Buffcole]

I found this article useful on ich.

http://joejaworski.wordpress.com/2007/09/28/the-marine-ich-epidemic/

 

[MrTuskfish]

I found this article useful on ich.

http://joejaworski.wordpress.com/2007/09/28/the-marine-ich-epidemic/

I just skimmed this blog and think its quite well done. RCs Snorvich is a real expert on Crypto (ich) and his stickies in the disease section of the forum are THE source for info, IMO & IME.

With all the info like this available, it still amazes me that so many attempt this hobby without a QT. If a new hobbyist starts a thread to learn what he needs to get started; the thread can pick up dozens of suggestions before (and if) someone suggests a QT. It should be at the top of the list, IMO & IME. Many, if not most ,of the problems reported on the disease forum deal with issues directly related to not using a QT. But, like many of us, I learned the hard way too.

 

[b0bab0ey]

I am relatively new to this hobby but already have concluded that the saltwater fish industry and retailers have more misinformation, disease and customer abuse than other hobbies I have enjoyed.

My first frustration is not knowing how fish were collected. As I understand it many methods virtually guarantee a high % mortality even if the fish appears perfect at the LFS.

One aspect that always seems to get overlooked is finding out which wholesaler(s) your LFS uses and doing some research on them. A lot of LFS are very reluctant to give out this info, like it's a huge secret. I let them know upfront that I'm not comfortable doing business with them until I have researched how reputable their wholesaler is. From my experience and research, Quality Marine and Segrest Farms are two of the best wholesalers out there. And I'm about 90% sure that Live Aquaria uses QM as their main wholesaler, which is why they get most of my business nowadays.

Of course, this is just one piece of puzzle but it's a good place to start.

 

[sleepydoc]

While there are plenty of disreputable LFS's, there are plenty of good ones, too, so try not to lump them all together. I have a wonderful LFH that I frequent. They have always given me good, honest advice, and have high quality livestock.

bottom line - do your homework wherever you buy, local or online. When you find good businesses, reward them with your business.