New Shipment; All Sick; Who's at Fault?

[dogofwar]

Well put.

WHY the fish are sick is another topic...

Matt

^yes, thats my opinion the retailer is resopnsable to the customer. The wholesaler is accountable to the retailer.

 

[darth pike]

But bad treatment during shipping can't synthesize parasites out of thin air. Parasites either were present on the fish at arrival or at such high levels in the retailer's tank that they were "instantly" transferred (or transferred in a couple of hours) into high level infestations.

Most fish disease literture states that ick is always present in our tanks, but only attacks a stressed, weakened fish. Much like the common cold virus always being in our system.

 

[Dreamsing]

I'd blame the supplyer. My favorite LFS has had sick fish in treatment tanks for sale, but they include needed meds + treatment instructions with the fish if it is baught and have a 2 week return policy. If that store doesn't do the same then they too are at fault.

 

[cchhcc]

Most fish disease literture states that ick is always present in our tanks, but only attacks a stressed, weakened fish. Much like the common cold virus always being in our system.

That is indeed written quite a bit in fish literature, and it is usually true, but I can assure you that it isn't always true. Don't take my word for it (I wouldn't either!); there is a great article in one of the BB's from a few years ago that you may be able to find on the ACA site. As I remember, the article was written by two veterinarians who specialize in fish diseases.

It is possible to eliminate ich from a system completely, as is the case with any parasite. Certainly, it can be difficult to do so in some situations (and may require the use of powerful meds like formalin), but it isn't impossible. BUT having seen many cases of ich, lymph, etc. in this retailer's tanks and ZERO disinfection taking place, you are correct in assuming that the new fish were exposed to some nasty stuff. But I have trouble believing that fish would show the effects practically immediately. I suppose they could if the disease levels were really high though.