New coral not sure of name

[ryshark]

I let my wife pick out my latest coral over this past weekend. The LFS called it a "yellow cup coral" that seems to be a subjective description. Does anybody know a more specific or scientific name for this so I can do the research that I should have already done before I bought it? I am guessing a Turbinaria but I dont know which one, or maybe a Pagoda? Thanks for your help.

[Innovator]

Probably peltata. Have a looksie: CoralSearch Search Page

[Kurt_Nelson]

That's my guess too. And while I hope the info on my link doesn't apply to you, you should read it so you should be aware in case things start going bad...

DyedCorals

That just seems sooooooo yellow, including the base.

[ryshark]

I only had a chance to skim over that link (I'm printing it out now so I can read it while I watch the Angels game) But you definitely have me concerned. Especially since that particular LFS also had those bright pink finger leathers like it shows on the link. I'm going to be pissed if that is the case.
I am also concerned because I haven't seen any polyp extension and I have had it since Sunday. What would you do if you found out it happened to you?

[ryshark]

I just called that LFS I found that cup coral and asked, "Do you sell artificially colored live coral?" He was hesitant and said yes. I said do you tell people that before they purchase it and he said, only if they ask. I said, "and you think that is ethical?" He didn't respond so I said I wanted to return the coral and he said they don't take returns. He even admitted the color fades. I am livid now. I am tempted to call American Express to dispute the charge, but I doubt that would fly. I feel taken advantage of as a new aquarist, I may just have to chalk this one up to experience.
For anybody in Southern California. Do NOT go to "Tongs" in Fountain Valley.
For everybody else: make sure to do your homework first before any purchase.

[cccapt]

That really sucks. I've heard and read about dyed coral, but never saw any around here.

[Kurt_Nelson]

That really sucks, ryshark. I guess the only bright spot of this is that they fessed up to it... kinda.

I'd call back tomorrow and ask to speak with the owner or manager. I'm guessing you weren't talking to either, with the way you said that conversation went. I'm thinking that with your line of questioning ("you think that's ethical?") an owner would've sensed possible impending doom and gladly given you a full refund. My guess is that if that's their company attitude and policy, they probably won't be around long unless they're the only game in town.

Regarding contacting American Express for a chargeback, that could be difficult because you indeed got what you bought. While you could liken it to "defective" merchandise, I'm pretty sure whoever you talked with at American Express wouldn't see it that way. They'd probably file the chargeback for you, but it'd probably be reversed in a month or two. Your only other avenue is that if the store didn't have their return policy PLAINLY VISIBLE, you could claim a chargeback because they would not give you at least store credit. When a store has to fight a chargeback, they have to show three main things: (1) the customer received what they bought, and (2) the customer has every opportunity to see/read the return policy, and (3) the card wasn't reported stolen or cancelled. If the store can show those three things, then the chargeback will most likely be reversed in the store's favor.

But getting the word out works too, as long as it isn't libelous or slanderous. "So-and-so sells dyed corals" seems like a truthful statement.

[ryshark]

I just looked at the top of the receipt it says:
TONG'S TROPICAL FISH
24Hour Gaurantee on Fish
WATER SAMPLE REQUIRED
No Guarantee on Inverts
Exchanges Only on
Dry Goods. NO REFUND.

Pretty tricky!!! Makes sense now knowing about what they do to their inverts. I actually wonder if it is already dead since I haven't seen a polyp come out yet??? Its hard to tell if it is all dyed skeleton or skin too. When I asked the guy at this fish store, before I made the purchase, about the polyps he said that "they are coming out a little but its because he isnt positioned properly in the tank, thats why they are not out." The cup was facing towards the glass not the top.

I called AA they will take the charge off for now, but what Kurt said will probably be the end result.

[Kurt_Nelson]

If nothing else, the store at least understands how to keep their chargebacks to a minimum. Putting the return policy on the receipt (that you have to sign!) makes it hard for the customer to claim they didn't know the policy and is pretty standard practice in a lot of industries.

[fijiwigi]

WoW I never knew that was ever an issue? Sorry to hear about the bogus coral glad I read the post! I would be inside the store throwing a fit if it was me demanding to speak with the owner Id probably get kicked out.