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