PetsMart Cichlids?

[Aquanero]

It looks like this is turning into yet another chain store bash. While I do agree with some of the faults of chain stores mentioned by other members, I just can't agree with insulting their employees or calling them names. I have on occassion ran into a few chain store employees that were pretty rude and uninformed, but in general the stores that I visit have very nice employees that know and respect me. They even ask me for advice on some things. Some times people just need employment. They may not have fish at home but they may have a spouse and children to support. If they are lucky enough to be hired by one of these chain stores, they have the right to take the job. They have to act and depend on the livestock information given to them by their employer. Many times that information is terribly inaccurate. But that failure lies on the employer. So to a lot of these people, this is just a job and they have to follow the guidelines given by the people who sign their checks if they want to keep their job. Not everyone is willing to lose their way of life to stand up for the tank requirements of a Pacu. Are a lot of the practices of these big stores wrong? Absolutely, yes! But not everyone with a fish tank considers the care of their fish as a hobby and passion like the members on this site. We value and enjoy our fish, their comforts, and their quality of life. That's the difference between a hobbyist and a person with an Oscar in a 20gal. tank. It's the responsibilty of the person buying the fish to provide proper care for their fish and to devote time into educating themselves on the things associated with keeping their fish. I support the small stores far more than I do the big chains. So I don't feel guilty for shopping at Petco, Petsmart, etc. I just think that sometimes on this site we get so wrapped up in the fish that we become numb and inconsiderate of the human aspect of our lives and hobby. Insulting employees and cursing them out shows more about the character of the customer than it does about the rude or uneducated employee.

Nice job on this I agree!

 

[FIN01]

When I purchased my "midevil" from petsmart a year ago, the employee asked me a number of questions about midas cichlids before he even bagged me one. I trust my local petsmart much more than my LFS. I do move around a bit between school and home, and at home I have an phenomenal LFS. Basically, just chat up the petsmart employees to see if you want to buy from them. I understand that not all chain stores are alike, but I find LFS's are all over the quality spectrum as well.

 

[joecoulson]

Can I post my dislikes about the aquarium hobby here in this thread

It ryhmes with nobs and begins with an S

 

[smitty03281964]

I don't see them having anything that you would not be happy with. Petsmart is a large chain so they are probably buying from several breeder. However if it is not something of good quality they are still going to be sold as opposed to you LFS who might send them back. So just get a good look and be selective when you pick.