Disappointment at Saltwaterfish.com

[roka64]

I had always heard good things about them and would have ordered from them until now. Definitely thanks for the info!

[JoshsReef]

I dont really understand the frustration. Personally Its not something that I would want in my tank, I dont like hot pink for one, and two I am trying to recreate as natural a setting as possible. Maybe Im crazy, but if it doesnt hurt the animal, is it really a big deal ? I see no evidence to suggest that it is harmful in anyway to the corals. If it was I would understand the frustration however I have found nothing to say that it really makes a difference other than apperance. And as far as blaming saltwaterfish.com, they are not doing anything wrong, they are simply just selling what people want. If the people demand it large numbers they have no choice, If they dont satisfy there customers they will never stay sucessful !

[Innovator]

The health inhibitions of dye within the coral tissue is not clearly understood and depending on the chemical used to create the dye may or may not be extremely toxic, yet would still elicit a stress response and inability to adjust to aquarium and even natural environments. The dye is a foreign contaminant that a coral must expend energy in order to be rid of, thus increasing mucus secretions and tissue recession while compromising polyp expansion and feeding responses. There are some corals that may tolerate specific dyes better than others, but unfortunately it is difficult to grasp the latest concoctions being used to further investigate and whether or not a death is a direct result from the dye or a secondary cause. Either way, the majority of dyed corals do not seem to fare well throughout the industry and should be pointed out to all those who continue to sell them, whether the retailer is aware of the circumstances or not. Please take into consideration that the dye not only affects the life of a coral, but also the surrounding environment it comes into contact with. Although businesses are there to make money, there is an act of legitimacy to not deceive customers into thinking they are purchasing a healthy "rare" item and those that do sell such items should be held responsible since it is at their discretion that it is sold from within their business. There are other ways to making money and satisfying customers without the means of deception.

[Kurt_Nelson]

Originally Posted by JoshsReef

... I see no evidence to suggest that it is harmful in anyway to the corals. If it was I would understand the frustration however I have found nothing to say that it really makes a difference other than apperance.

Read this, and I think you'll change your mind.

DyedCorals

If the people demand it large numbers they have no choice, If they dont satisfy there customers they will never stay sucessful !

Yes... they do have a choice. They can educate their customers and let them know why it's not in their best interest to have a dyed coral. Well run businesses are not at the total whim of the customer.

[Fluff]

I really don't feel there is much left to be said about the issue of dying corals and the sad practice. Thank you James and Kurt.

My issue is deception on the retailers part. If you look at the links I posted, nowhere does it suggest that these animals are dyed. It only boasts about the intense colors. "Brightly colored in"... to me doesn't really suggest dyed. Yes, it is totally up to the aquarist to make themselves informed of such practices, that's not always what happens unfortunately. And anyone who doesn't have an eye for such things will see a "brightly colored coral in pink" listed as easy to keep and eagerly buy only to later be disappointed (if it survives). I think it is the responsibility of the retailer to at least say that the animals are not a natural color but temporary. Problem is, they would no doubt sell less of them. Boy, that would be a shame.
I've always been a supporter of SWF.com, they've always been a great company to do business with. They still are in general. I just feel a bit let down I guess that they would sell such specimens, let alone selling them without what I feel would be a proper description. There are other great online retailers that I will be using instead from here on out. So, to each thier own. Everyone will make up thier own minds. I just felt folks should know and being disappointed, I needed to vent a little. That's what this forum is for after all. Good or bad.