On a Mission!!!

coral reefer · 08-31-2007, 03:17 PM

Hi guys and gals,
I just wanted to let you all know that I am on a mission having just visited my local Deathco(Petco), knowing how they operate for the most part and their less than optimal conditions and employees lack of knowledge. For all intent and purposes, they really don't seem to be conscientous either towards their livestock.
Having said this, I am now on a mission to purchase some of the fish that are held hostage and at the mercy of their care.
Their are three fish, in particular that have caught my undivided attention... A 4" Naso Tang(Lituratus), 3" White-cheek Tang(Japonica) and a 3" Koran Angel(Pomacanthus Semicirculatus). These are all $39.99 each!!!
I need to help these fish out before they die in the hands of the wrong people-so I have just purchased the Naso, and will get the Koran next... Then, money permitting, the White cheek will be after that.
Most of the other fish that they carry are more hardy and are able to handle more fluxuating water parameters. They are now carrying corals and some inverts...Great, What next?
They have a hard time keeping their livestock alive and now they are delving into the Octocoral and shrimp/crab livestock!

Linda · 08-31-2007, 03:26 PM

I'll have to check out the Petco here. I shop at Petsmart, primarily, and they don't sell SW. I'll let you know what they have here.

I think what you are doing is very admirable. Karma for you!

omard · 08-31-2007, 03:50 PM

Sounds to me like a very expensive project trying to stay ahead of the PetCo stocking department. --- Fortunatly our local one got out of the SW business as they found they could not keep qualified help.

Talk to manager and see if he will hire you as a consultant (you could take your pay in stock) -

coral reefer · 08-31-2007, 03:59 PM

I was thinking about that for awhile now! Maybe this winter as things wind down in the construction business...
I feel so bad when i see livestock being neglected either purposefully or as a result of unqualified/ lack of knowledgeable, conscientous staff!
I think alot has to do with their ordering as well! Why doesn't Petco just order fish with a longterm survival rate and hardy fish alltogether!?
If someone is looking for a specific, more difficult fish, then special order it, BUT...by all means they shouldn't order livestock that is hard to keep such as Ribbon eels, Potter's Angels, many kinds of Butterflyfish etc.!

Jason McKenzie · 08-31-2007, 04:33 PM

I have always felt that purchasing from companies that do not know how to take care of there live goods only promotes them to restock. I know it's crappy to see things die but if you buy then they will replace them.
there was a store locally that tried SW fish each time I went in I commented to the staff that the conditions where not appropriate for the animals they are keeping and I would not purchase form them because of this. I stopped going in because I couldn't bear it. I was forced in a few months ago and found they had stopped selling Saltwater all together.

good luck. My absolute fav Tang is the White-cheek Tang(Japonica) but it is very aggressive

J

coral reefer · 08-31-2007, 05:37 PM

I know what you are saying Jason and agree with you to some extent! The only thing is that I am saving a life by purchasing the particular fish before it dies, especially a fish that isn't as hardy as say a Damsel, Grouper, trigger or Clown.
I hear ya on your statement!!!!!

Jason McKenzie · 08-31-2007, 06:06 PM

good Luck man. Those are truly fish that deserve saving

J

sssnake · 09-01-2007, 04:15 AM

Do you think you have enough space presently for these extra tangs and angel or are you also picking up another tank?

The koran can grow to 15", the naso 18", and the white cheek 10" and these fish just love to swim.

What you're doing is great and I'm sure you have pre-thought it out and not acting on impulse pitty.

Good on you.

coral reefer · 09-01-2007, 05:59 AM

I plan on putting them in my 125 and 75 gallon reef tanks. I also plan on selling them once they outgrow my tank to the pet shop or donate them to my local Public Sea Aquarium!!!!!!
I just hate to see fish succumb to a death due to less than optimal standards and people who either don't care or not knowledgeable enough!

Tangster · 09-01-2007, 11:35 AM

Well all this is fine and good But the bottom lie is they are making money! And as long as they are in the black they will continue to get in sink fish and sell the As fast as possible to let them die in others tanks.. And by buying them you are just boosting their bottom line .. So any bean counter would tell you are are adding to the problem not helping it.. Take the retail you paid for the fish and their wholesale they made 300 % Plus and you see their profit margin at the end of the day.. multiply that by several thousand sales a day they ain't going no where or changing anything until the bean counters say we are loosing money..