LFS - Worse advice given

[vetteguy53081]

What is the worse advice an LFS has given you?
Did you know it was bad advice or did they convince you?

Although many years ago,
- Damsels are the best starter fish
- A fish will stay small in a small tank. . . they grow according to tank size
- Lionfish are safe in any tank- just watch for the spines (at least I found they were the best tool to get rid of damsels)

 

[iamacat]

Long ago the guy drilled my tank, DIYd a sump, and installed all the plumbing. He chose to use a brass ball valve. I had Copper issues that miffed him for a few months. Found other fish stores further away that helped me out

 

[Glenner’sreef]

I knew something was up when the owner (talking to me over the counter) looked to the left, then to the right then back to the left, leaned in and whispered “Do I have a tank for you”! Not really bad advice but funny.

 

[cwerner]

"You should try to grow some coral in that saltwater tank you're planning."

 

[Miami Reef]

An employee told me yesterday that Copperband butterflies will eat/need nori.

 

[vetteguy53081]

An employee told me yesterday that Copperband butterflies will eat/need nori.

Ive had mine close to 5 years and very rare it dives in for nori when given to my tangs. It looks and observes the feeder as you see in pic, but maybe takes a stray piece of floating seaweed.

 

[srobertb]

What is the worse advice an LFS has given you?
Did you know it was bad advice or did they convince you?

Although many years ago,
- Damsels are the best starter fish
- A fish will stay small in a small tank. . . they grow according to tank size
- Lionfish are safe in any tank- just watch for the spines (at least I found they were the best tool to get rid of damsels)

In no particular order:

1. setup your tank then wrap it in newspaper and don’t touch it for 6-12 months.

2. a vlamingi tang will be just fine in a 125g tank

3. That XR30 is on sale today. priced at $1200.

Most fish stores are trying to make money (duh). Fish and livestock are commodities but also liabilities as they will die. Equipment and hardware has razor thin profit margins and is price locked (although that doesn’t stop them from trying).

 

[snorklr]

that i could grow corals with this single "special" T8 24 inch florescent bulb

 

[Lebowski_]

Ive had mine close to 5 years and very rare it dives in for nori when given to my tangs. It looks and observes the feeder as you see in pic, but maybe takes a stray piece of floating seaweed.

View attachment 3140933

That is a lot of beautiful, healthy fish all in one photo. Nice job

Worst bit of advice I got was putting Jewel Cichlids in my planted community tank. Also, someone selling me an Oscar and Common Pleco when I was young and dumb.

By the time I got to salt, I learned to do my own research and be a bit more weary of the advice I get from others.

 

[Slocke]

An employee told me yesterday that Copperband butterflies will eat/need nori.

My butterfly loves nori. Obviously not it’s main diet but a good supplement

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Long ago the guy drilled my tank, DIYd a sump, and installed all the plumbing. He chose to use a brass ball valve. I had Copper issues that miffed him for a few months. Found other fish stores further away that helped me out

my first tank I did this with my plumbing and it wasn't until I had one of the guys at the store come look at my set up, he saw it in 2 seconds and figured out the problem. what a journey!

 

[exnisstech]

Also, someone selling me an Oscar and Common Pleco when I was young and dumb.

This. I was sold a common pleco and withing 6 months it was so big I had to pull it. Took it back and they put it in their pond.
Also that an arowana would be fine long term in a 180g.

 

[iamacat]

my first tank I did this with my plumbing and it wasn't until I had one of the guys at the store come look at my set up, he saw it in 2 seconds and figured out the problem. what a journey!

It wasn’t a fun experience when I barely had any idea what I was doing in the first place. Makes me wonder how many people have been turned off by the hobby due to the incompetence of the people trying to get their money. Seems counter productive!

the other fish store was working through my details trying to help. I sent a picture after a week of communication where copper was making the most sense. The ball valve was like a light in a dark room.

 

[Slocke]

1. Ridiculous fish like I’ve been told multiple times a Sweetlips would work in my normal sized tanks
2. Rediculous corals like being told a goniopora was a good starting coral

 

[Gumbies R Us]

In no particular order:

1. setup your tank then wrap it in newspaper and don’t touch it for 6-12 months.

2. a vlamingi tang will be just fine in a 125g tank

3. That XR30 is on sale today. priced at $1200.

Most fish stores are trying to make money (duh). Fish and livestock are commodities but also liabilities as they will die. Equipment and hardware has razor thin profit margins and is price locked (although that doesn’t stop them from trying).

I want to know more about this newspaper idea

 

[Stephen8169301]

Use this natural seawater fill it up put active bacteria in wait a week your good to go

 

[90's reefer]

When an lfs said all tanks will crash its just a matter of when.

 

[90's reefer]

I want to know more about this newspaper idea

They still print newspaper, lol.

 

[srobertb]

That is a lot of beautiful, healthy fish all in one photo. Nice job

Worst bit of advice I got was putting Jewel Cichlids in my planted community tank. Also, someone selling me an Oscar and Common Pleco when I was young and dumb.

By the time I got to salt, I learned to do my own research and be a bit more weary of the advice I get from others.

Remember some of us were doing this before you could just pull out your phone and do a quick google search. “Oh

I want to know more about this newspaper idea

Ive actually heard it multiple times. Add rock. Add sand. Add mixed saltwater. Set temp, ATO, flow, etc. wrap tank in total darkness. Let it sit for 6-12 months.

 

[doubleshot00]

Don't pop that bubble algae it will spread.