I work at a LFS, and just recently I have really been taking note of what the causes are of the "typical" customer tank problems are. After breaking the customers down for a while to the nitty gritty of their tanks, I have found that somewhere around 80% of the "typical" tank problems are due to poorly cycled tanks. Does anybody find this to be true at their stores, or is this just common by me?
A LFS observation
- Thread starter hamato_yoshii
- Start date
Definitely true. When I worked at a lfs, I had people who just bought fish days ago needing a replacement. And they would tell me that they just set up the tank the same day and they don't know why the fish would be dying since everything is new. 
I actually found the problem is that people do not do enough maintence I get the "I do water changes twice a year" all the time... I even get the people who never change water and only top the tanks off...
plus most people dont understand that your tank will always cyclce itself many times over
plus most people dont understand that your tank will always cyclce itself many times over
when i did work in a LFS. main prob i found was also the new setting up, and uncycled issue. also found that ppl weren't being honest when i asked questions about their tanks. also testing their water, they couldn't believe i wouldn't replace their fish due to horrible water tests. because no-one told them how the cycle process worked. quite frankly i got tired of wasting my breath, and looked for another job. 
fishfreak317;783451; said:when i did work in a LFS. main prob i found was also the new setting up, and uncycled issue. also found that ppl weren't being honest when i asked questions about their tanks. also testing their water, they couldn't believe i wouldn't replace their fish due to horrible water tests. because no-one told them how the cycle process worked. quite frankly i got tired of wasting my breath, and looked for another job.
I am in the same boat right now customers kill me totally because they cime and ask your advice but get mad when you tell them how their fish should be cared for.... maybe I just care to much but I have an interview at fed-ex tonight so hopefully I will get that job then I will put my two weeks in at petco
rottbo;783453; said:
yeah and not to mention that LFS work doesn't pay to great either. but the overall job and passion for fishkeeping kept me around there for over 3years.
The problem is not LFS...the sales staff...nor even is it really the ignorant customers fault.....
MARKETING is the problem. Every filter you buy now a days regardless of where it is from has a theme that conveys "for crystal clear water" and there are a slew of products and filters and stuff that promise to keep your tank clear and clean...instantly cycled tanks and scientific jargon that makes people buy it. Like your gonna get water clean enough to drink by the time you get done reading the packaging with that show tank with crystal clear water and healthy fish.
Fact is mechanical filtration is really only 1/4 of the job it takes for a healthy tank...not the 3/4 the boxes say they do.
I do not work in a LFS...but I am sure you get people that walk in and buy brand new tanks, filters, substrate, decor, chemicals and fish all in one shot. They may see the LFS showtanks or someone elses tank that inspires them to get some fish. DUH!!!! No wonder they are coming back with dead fish or dirty water.
Fact is...until the companies that control marketing for their products submit the truth...and not in tiny print...about the actual effectiveness of new products then you are gonna have more customers coming in pretty soon with the same complaints.
MY 2 cents worth...
MARKETING is the problem. Every filter you buy now a days regardless of where it is from has a theme that conveys "for crystal clear water" and there are a slew of products and filters and stuff that promise to keep your tank clear and clean...instantly cycled tanks and scientific jargon that makes people buy it. Like your gonna get water clean enough to drink by the time you get done reading the packaging with that show tank with crystal clear water and healthy fish.
Fact is mechanical filtration is really only 1/4 of the job it takes for a healthy tank...not the 3/4 the boxes say they do.
I do not work in a LFS...but I am sure you get people that walk in and buy brand new tanks, filters, substrate, decor, chemicals and fish all in one shot. They may see the LFS showtanks or someone elses tank that inspires them to get some fish. DUH!!!! No wonder they are coming back with dead fish or dirty water.
Fact is...until the companies that control marketing for their products submit the truth...and not in tiny print...about the actual effectiveness of new products then you are gonna have more customers coming in pretty soon with the same complaints.
MY 2 cents worth...
I think the majority of the population of people who get fish tanks is because they think it looks cool and never even consider that you have to do more than just fill a tank up with water. Not to mention the LFS employee's that give out the most ridiculous info I've ever heard. I once herd a LFS employee say oh yeah you can keep Oscars with green spotted puffer just add some salt.
OscarRobinson;783722; said:I think the majority of the population of people who get fish tanks is because they think it looks cool and never even consider that you have to do more than just fill a tank up with water. Not to mention the LFS employee's that give out the most ridiculous info I've ever heard. I once herd a LFS employee say oh yeah you can keep Oscars with green spotted puffer just add some salt.
lol