Trust is a tough thing in this hobby

[Shawn_epicurious]

I recently learned my (now ex) LFS guy (not the place I am going now...) really did tell me a fish I bought from someone other than him was diseased. He even had me using medicated fish food for two weeks. Yeah, there was nothing wrong with that fish! I almost killed a few anemones using that food! There is no such thing as 100% reef safe fish food!

....because I bought a fish from someone else. Be careful who you decide to listen too!!!

 

[Deschutes541]

How do you know he intentionally lied and wasn't just mistaken?

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

How do you know he intentionally lied and wasn't just mistaken?

I had the opportunity to speak to a few of his other customers. He did the same thing to them.

 

[cmaxwell39]

Sorry to hear that, but don't let one bad seed ruin your faith in the people of this great hobby. I have met some of the best people in this hobby. Yes, there have also been some that I wouldn't trust for sure, but there are also some extremely honest, generous, and wonderful people in this hobby.

Sorry that you had a bad experience and hope your tank bounces quickly.

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

Sorry to hear that, but don't let one bad seed ruin your faith in the people of this great hobby. I have met some of the best people in this hobby. Yes, there have also been some that I wouldn't trust for sure, but there are also some extremely honest, generous, and wonderful people in this hobby.

Sorry that you had a bad experience and hope your tank bounces quickly.

Thank you for this. I think I needed to hear that : )

I haven’t given up

 

[Bossman]

Trust and faith is a very fragile thing. It can take years and a lot of good deeds to instill trust, but one "awe shoot!" wipes it all out.

 

[Indytraveler83]

This is a great example of why I never ask my lfs folks for advice. I ask them for sales information, and ask them to demonstrate animals are healthy and that's it.

The two lfs near me hate each other, and one of the owners loves to spread false rumors and info about the other. I'm sure they would do something similar if they found out I shop both of them.

No matter how knowledgeable, kind or nice any of your lfs folks are, remember they are a business, they have to make money, and their prime interaction with you is to sell you something. Some are more transparent and honest than others.

If you ever doubt what any salesperson says, come here, get some advice and evaluate. We aren't perfect, but we are motivated to help, rather than sell.

 

[Bossman]

I hear so many horror stories about the LFS. I feel fortunate our local LFS is not one of them. They're not all bad. I've gotten a lot of livestock and good advice from my LFS in Grand Rapids MI.