Freshwater Aquarium Stores: Choosing a Reputable Store to Buy Fish and Supplies
There is nothing more disappointing to me than visiting a pet store and finding the fish department full of tanks with signs of poor maintenance. I have seen freshwater aquariums with cloudy water, sick fish, and incompatible species occupying the same tank, creating a sad existence for the creatures in those tanks. This is usually a sign of apathy or abuse or a complete lack of knowledge of basic fish care practices. However, even stores that seem to follow good aquarium keeping practices can fall short. So, what are you looking for?
When choosing a store to buy your freshwater aquarium supplies and fish from, it pays to talk to the staff and pay close attention to the health of the aquarium and the fish kept there. Visit a few stores and you’ll quickly have an idea of which stores you want to do business with. The product is very important, but a knowledgeable staff can make or break your success.
Here are some things to consider:
1. You will want to develop a relationship with your provider. Staff must be knowledgeable and patient with your questions and interests. They should offer suggestions based on the questions they will have for you, such as tank size, types of fish you prefer, your level of experience, and how to get started. Stores must make a profit to stay in business, but some will tell you anything to sell you an aquarium kit with a few fish. This can be a recipe for disappointment when your fish get sick and die.
2. Inspect the tanks and their inhabitants. Are incompatible species mixed in the same tanks? Do they look stress-free, healthy and show good color? Is the water clear and clean? Fish will die in even the healthiest of environments, but should be removed from a tank immediately. Dead fish that appear to have been left for a couple of days is a sign of incompetence.
3. Another sign of trouble is a common disease called ick. This is fatal if left untreated and first appears as small white spots on the fish. Do not buy a fish from a tank with an infected fish! You will only introduce ick to your home aquarium, where all your fish will become infected. A reputable store will not sell infected fish, so don’t be fooled into bringing home sick fish.
4. If you have sick fish, be careful about the use of medications, as some are toxic to certain species. Your shop staff must first find out what fish you have and be able to recommend treatment for it. Otherwise, you may learn the hard way and end up killing the fish you are trying to save. Listen carefully to the responses you get from the store staff. If they are vague about the treatment, find another store to do business with.
5. Most stores will offer a return policy if your fish dies within a two week period. It is worth asking. A common policy means you can get a replacement or a refund.
6. There are basically two types of stores that offer aquarium supplies. One is the full-service store that offers all kinds of pets and pet supplies. The other is the store specializing in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. And while the full-service store may be cheaper, the dedicated store will always have more knowledgeable staff and generally offer the best products, services, and advice.
So do some research and visit some stores. It would even be better a couple of visits per store to see how consistent your experience is. Once you’ve found the store that suits your needs and offers excellent service and advice, you’ll be well on your way to a happy and healthy aquarium experience.
