Petsmart

[xFLEAxx]

I think most people here are more upset about the knowledge of a chain rather than their prices. I myself will always be looking for bargains which ultimately means I can't support the Mom and Pop store all the time, especially with big equipments such as filters. When it comes to buying fish, it goes to the Mom and Pop store, hands down. Tanks are something that you really have to look for. I find some deal are better at either places. The bigger the tank, the better the deals are at the Mom and Pops' and you can negotiate as well. Filters, heaters, food, decor, general equipment, etc. I have to give to the chain stores.

Yea im the exact same way

 

[SteveR]

I have not seen many threads titled petsmart that were positive but even though I, like many people do not agree with the lack of knowledge of the people who work there there are many great things about Petsmart. The thing is even though alot o fpeople say they hate petsmart they would probably be kinda pissed if they closed. Even though they do not take the best care of there fish and do not have the best information the prices of equipment such as filter or air pumps or decorations will beat any prices from a family owned or non chain fish store. I ussulay do not buy my fish from Petsmart but even when I do I have had no problems with them but for all my equipment needs I go to petsmart. Just thought i should throw that out there.

Don't agree at all... In the UK, Scotland AND England pets at home (which is what it's called here) has the most rubbish amateur equipment ever, all internal filters, no replacements no decent thermos or airpumps (actually no airpumps). Mince!

 

[QueueBa11]

i personally dont buy fish from petsmart but there is a one i do go to quite abit because of a guy that works there, he is one of the smartest fish guys i have ever meet its in smokey point wa. i wish i could remember his name so i could give him his props. he has i think 3 tanks 125 and bigger at his home. any question i ever had before i found mfk he could awnser

My local pestsmart also used to have this one very knowledgeable guy but, unfortunately, he left and was replaced by a person who knew nothing about fish. Petsmarts have always been better than Petco in my experiences; petco tanks are always algae ridden while petsmart tanks are generally cleaner and have fewer dead fish. Plus, Petsmart gave me a discount on plants and I got that cool one in my avatar at petsmart for $2.50. I would be sad if the chain stores closed because they're convenient to have when something goes wrong late at night. Maybe a little off topic but Michigan had these walmart-type stores called Meijer and their tanks were pretty clean. The fact that the one near my place was a 24/7 store made it all the more helpful during emergencies .

 

[Camphilophus]

Meijers fish section is disgusting^^

they just changed all of their tanks over in my area and they look nice but thats about it.

 

[Toodleypops]

i think the petSmart near me rocks!! the people there are pretty smart and the manager is like a freaking genious!! he's hooking me up with a 100g SA/CA cichlid tank... anyway i go to chain stores for equipment and cheaper/juve fish... for instance i recently got a really nice pair of severums: turqoise and golden: petsmart and petco respectively.... but i have noticed the petsmart has much better fish and products than petco. when i first started fish keeping i would shop at petco all the time. then i didnt go there for like 5 years haha. anyway i went back 2 days ago to see their fish and they had like NONE!!! i was like hahaha. but i did see a nice juve golden sev . anyway to continue then i go to the LFS's for more higher end fish or to try and trade/bargain...

 

[Toodleypops]

and tanks i search/craigslist for haha.... the lfs is just too pricey on ]V[onster tanks
and chain stores dont have ]V[onster tanks at all....75 doesnt count...or come close to counting

 

[Bud_Man_Jr]

I would rather support the mom and pop stores anyday. Only place I buy my fish is from or through the one but luckily nice/knowledgeable lfs near me. I buy my tanks used sorry im cheap and my lfs doesnt keep many tanks due to the lack of space in the expensive renting that they have. I used to shop at petsmart for stuff because the online guarantee but now they dont have that anymore so its the same price as my lfs so I personally would rather support them. Also the petsmart by my has healthy looking fish but not anything odd just normal oscars that the stupid sales men and women sell to a family with a 20 gallon. Went in there to buy feeders because the lfs was closed due to holidays and they sold a family 4 oscars for a 35 gallon hex tank.... Im not the most knowledgeable person on fish but my petsmart could hire me and I would know more than all their sales people. In otherwords I don't shop at petsmart. There is a petland but I just go there to talk to the fishguy because he actually knows alot about fish and has a 210, 350 and more.

thank you

 

[dzb912]

every store has different prices.. i like petsmart actually, the one by me is fine they just dont no to much about fish... one day i hope to work theyre to give them a better rep

 

[DSoK19]

Hey guys, i'm new to the site and forum.
I actually work at a Petsmart and I'd be in agreement with most of you posting that says the staff needs better training on fish expertise. I'd say a majority of associates at my petsmart actually know what they're talking about when it comes to fish. A few other employees though...eh...lol.

I remember one guy in particular at my work, (who is now fired thaaaaank god) who just made up advice for any customers and had no expertise what-so-ever on many other animals as well. An example of how bad he was happened 6 monthes ago or so where he told a customer that an oscar and 2-3 guppies would get along great. Needless to say I pulled the customer aside and spit some knowledge and apologized for his idiocy.

I'm sorry for how some of you feel, I know my Petsmart, (In sunset hills, MO.) does a better job than most fish places as I have been going there for 7 years and have been working there for almost 10 monthes now.

 

[banjocat]

"prices of equipment such as filter or air pumps or decorations will beat any prices from a family owned or non chain fish store." I have seen cheaper prices at other places. They do have great prices on some things. One LFS was selling Aquaclear 110's for about $150 They obviously must be hoping that people don't shop around for prices.