Vendor/Breeder Vs Petsmart Vs Lfs

[cichlidfish]

I have always had better luck buying fish from LFS and vendors. I like supporting the small business rather then big corporations.

Also you cannot beat the sellection and quality when you order from vendors such as Jeff Rapps. Plus if you know you will get the right info on the fish when you have questions. Who would you be more likely to beleive-someone is breeding the fish or a high school kid who just wanted an after school job? Even the lables at Pet Smart are wrong. I saw a red bay snook lable that said they get 8'' full grown. That is very missleading when someone looks at that info and buys a tank. RBS can get 12-16'' long full grown. Big difference!

 

[dogofwar]

I'm suprised that no one has mentioned getting fish from fellow fish club hobbyists / fish club auctions!

Heck, our club even does group buys from online vendors so that shipping is split among several people...

Big box stores...and most LFS...don't cater to people who like to have a collection location with their fish...

Matt

 

[DMD123]

When it comes to the common fish I have had good success from Petsmart.

I recently traded in a Jack Dempsey to a LFS that came from Petsmart and it was better than all the stock they had. Much better coloration/spangling and shape.

My Midas also came from Petsmart. I did not have many options at the time. All the LFS were carrying Flowerhorns with a select few having some Red Devils. I really wanted the bulky Midas type body in my fish. I know that my fish is most likely a mix, but he has the exact Midas look I was after. The only issue I have with him is that he is a bit of a runt. After spending almost two years in a 120g tank (60x18x26) with regular water changes, high quality foods, and the best of care, he is only 10". He also is fairly odd in the sense that he is one of the most easy going, almost peaceful fish Ive owned.

I have also seen some of the best looking Oscars at Petsmart also. When it comes to these common type cichlids the chain stores do seem to have access to a pretty nice stock.

 

[BillyBlanco]

DMD123 My "Midevil" from Petsmart is super agressive and already pushing 9in in just a few months of having him. He is super aggressive and has already killed and has to be housed alone, He is a glassbanger and will bite me if i put my hand in his tank. Maybe you just had bad luck.

Local Petsmarts in my area have poor looking oscars, dempseys, and jags with pale color patches, dark black bodies, and icky glazed eyes.

dogofwar ive yet to go to a cichlid club they are all pretty far from me but if i went to one i would not hesitate to buy from a club member or group order.

cichlidfish "I like supporting the small business rather then big corporations." kudos