What makes an LFS good?

[joeytoe]

A good LFS in my opinion should be clean, have knowledgable people, clean tanks, fish of all sizes, rare an odd fish, good prices, Both FW an SW, Healthy looking Fish, an a good selection of supplies(Filters, Substrate, Ornaments, Tanks, an foods both Live frozen an prepackaged).

Do you guys prefer the stacks of 10 gallon tanks? Would stacks of like like 33 long tanks be better?

What kind of filtration would you like to see? (I know I always dislike seeing box filters in stores)

I like when a LFS has a good variety of large tanks(usually on the bottom), midrange size tanks with smaller tanks on top for the smaller fish. like 2 best places that I go to. one has mostly bare bottom tanks with foam filters (they have a large filter for wkly cleanings. the other on the small tanks has Power filters, on the med an large an Xtra large they have large wet/drys.

AMEN! i couldnt have said it better myself, unless i drink more. #1 is totally the truth. You are a good person!

Well rallysman bust out the bell an get drinking.

 

[oscar1]

employees with good knowledge, fair prices, healthy live stock, good clean tanks, etc...

 

[mr.dark-saint]

They have to know you by name or at least know what kind of fish you're in to also, know how feeders you need or being able to send your friend to pick up something without you having to go in to make the exchange. No other pet goods other than strickly aquatics or air powered toys like the diver and the giant clam and their likes. I kind a picture an establishment run like the three guys from the movie "High Fidelity" (If I won the Lottery I'd have people like that work for me. Wouldn't care if I made a nickle and lost a buck. It'll be more like my very own fish room. Just being able to say to some nuntz "hhhhhhmmmm, sorry he's not for sale this week, try back later" ).

Back to the shop. They'll have to have all those fish that come in where you have to ask the clerk "what is that"? Or be able to get a "special Order" for you where you have to wonder if they had to go in to some back room of a wholesaler, where they're betting on guys playing Russian Roulette. Since no one in the state can't even locate one other than a Pic off the net. Being open on long hours or they'll let you in if someone is there working late.

 

[Isis_Nebthet]

Teratron,
You ever been to Pets Inc in Tempe? I was impressed by the tanks. I've only been there once though. I saw they have a policy that if the fish dies you bring in a water sample and if it's due to new tank problems they will give you the replacement when the tank is ready. If they really adhere to the policy (California is a bit far to call in a replacement ) then I'd call that one pretty close to perfect.

 

[gomezladdams]

Clean tanks healthy fish knowledgeable friendly staff.If you have that as the baseline then variety and price become important.I moved to a rural area 12years ago theres only 1 lfs within 40 miles of my house(luckily its pretty good, but small) for variety the nearest city has a few petsmarts.

 

[Peanut_Power]

There are several things I personally think makes a great LFS:

1. The staff/employees actually have to know their stuff....in other words not idiots about fish. They need to be able to ID the fish, scientific and common name when possible, and be able to help you choose out fish that would be compatable together. They must also be respectable, friendly people.

2. Have a balanced selection of fish, with rare to common with reasonable prices.

3. Clean tankz, that are clear of any dead or sick fish.

Those are the three things that i think are most important about having a great LFS...if you have those things the rest will fall into place. It just bugs me going into LFS when i know more than the people who work there.....