Box of Americans from Don Conkels (with pics)

[Mojarraman]

Well said. Don is top notch in my book. I sent him an email describing my troubles Wednesday night with a couple questions. Don called me yesterday and offered to replace what I have lost without hesitation. And just to be clear, I didn't evan ask for that. I was just looking for a little information on a couple of my fish. That's just outstanding and certainly shows that he clearly wants his customers to be happy.

Mojarraman, Thats a wonderfull picture. Thanks for sharing that about the pearsei. I'm likeing them a lot and can allready tell they are going to be characters. They seem to be the peace keepers of the tank right now. I have seen multiple times the Bifa getting very snippy to others and one of the pearsei jump right in the middle and break it up.

Glad to hear of that. Like most of us, Don's human, and live fish aren't easy for anyone to predict exactly what might happen. Getting a LFS (or anyone) to replace DAA losses after more than a month has elapsed is quite rare, would be my guess. You must have approached him "delicately" LoL, since was up to his eyeballs shipping 34 (yes, 34!) boxes international yesterday. I've seen him work 60-70 hour weeks. I'm almost 10 years his junior and couldn't keep up. He isn't a "God" or "King" of anything - just a relaxed and easygoing guy who dedicated his entire adult life to importing, breeding, and distributing cichlids. Sometimes a thankless job.

Sorry to have to again correct the badmouthers. One or two seem to have an axe that continuously needs grinding - haven't the slightest idea of what contribution comes from that kind of agenda.

When Don ships, do you have 1 (55 or 58 gal?) tank to do something at bigger (3-4"?) sizes like carpintis? I mention them (off the top of my head) because they take GREAT color very young (even at around 2+" over dark substrate) and females will spawn at like 4" so they're normally very breed-able in a 3-4' tank. With tubes to hide in, I'd BET they would easily spawn in a 29 or 30 gallon.

If it's not too late, why not try 6 carpintis (as an example) in a 29-30?
2-4 might get hammered, and have to be moved, but a pair is almost inevitable. The babies you could either use as feeders, or sell to the LFS. My LFS loved them - much more than the Texas they had sold for a while! Just an idea - maybe a bad one, but it came to mind.

 

[Lupin]

It amazes me where this thread is going again after a massive cleanup last night. Last warning, guys. I am receiving complaints on this thread. Please keep this on topic. Thanks.

 

[Mojarraman]

1) ANY TIME vieja/paratheraps are involved or Amphilophus species and we're not talking about Rapps as the source, I will always include a disclaimer such as 'assuming they're pure' and in ANY case, imo, this is a big assumption.

Forever an acolyte at the Throne of Rapps, as in, "ANY TIME." Comical. How long have you been a worshiper?

Boy, without your "disclaimer" or "stamp of approval" where would we be? Oh boy! Mighty hungry! There just wouldn't be any "pure" fish, no, not even in the freezer.

um, no, not hinted that you've made transactions with him. That is PAINFULLY obvious. I was referring to those who questioned your reasoning for being such a, so many ways I could put it, faithful and outspoken supporter of his. There's nothing wrong with giving credit where credit is due, but the extent that you go to seems far beyond that of just the casual satisfied customer. You sound like a used car salesman who's pretending to be 'just another customer' on the car-lot telling everyone else how great the cars are and that they should buy one...your motive being solely the commission you earn when a car is sold. Hence the reason a few have already asked you if you work for him...a question that has yet to be conclusively answered if I remember correctly.


BadOscar...total derail aside,

Questioned my reasoning? Or motives? Likely respond to that the same way I'd answer any of the Three Stooges or smear merchants masquerading as Santa's Elves: "No. He works for me. And so does Old St. Nick." That should "conclusively answer" just about any lady cop, AKA Dead-eye Dick, but for sure pacify anyone so acutely intrigued by the affairs of persons unbeknown to himself. Do you believe everything you read in TV guide, as well? Think about it.

My advice: just keep telling 'em "The cars are all clunkers." All those except the ones on your Rapps lot, of course. Those are the only "pure" ones.

Sooner or later, somebody, somewhere, will still fall for your "sales piatch" that changes like the weather.

It seems there were at least two perfectly acceptable topics introduced more or less simultaneously, one (1)"Box of Fish from Don Conkel" and (2) "Excellent service from Don Conkel" by BadOscar and then, another desultory topic, earlier, by one or two apparent smears, seriously "questioning" the personal/professional reputation and/or integrity of Don Conkel - the world's largest importer/exporter/breeder of cichlids - and completely lacking anything remotely resembling substantiation.

Thus, by some sort of hideously twisted "reasoning," the nature of my "motive" is somehow linked to Mr. Conkel's alleged lack of credibility - alleged by one who has never made a purchase from Don Conkel? Huh???

1) ANY TIME we're not talking about Rapps as the source, I will always include a disclaimer such as 'assuming they're pure' and in ANY case, imo, this is a big assumption.

When it comes to motives, surely you work for Jeff Rapps? Or are yours born of petty resentment, or jealousy? How long have you been on Rapps' payroll? Honestly, it's looking a little fishy.

 

[Lupin]

Enough! This thread has been watched over repeatedly and cleaned up twice to keep everything in line but apparently, I am wrong to perceive that constructive criticisms are no longer welcomed to keep the topic smooth without slighting each other personally. Thread is done.