PETCO

[first-timer89]

They just opened a brand knew petco near my house. They have an amazing fish department and at least one trained saltwater staff at all times. They sell corals, sponges, inverts, fish and anything else you can think of. They do not use copper and they have a few qt tanks. I had a bad expirence at another one but this one is great. Do any of you have any near your house? Just wondering...

[Salttanker]

I have one by my house. There is 1 or 2 people there that have knowledge in the industry. They just started selling corals and inverts as well. The only thing they DON'T use is a QT for new arrivals. I wish they did..prices are fair, and the shop is close.

Mike

[Corty]

None like that. All mine has is a small SW department of about six tanks, all filled with clowns & yellow tangs.. neither of which look particularly healthy, especially not the tangs - frighteningly skinny.

I've never been in there and NOT seen a dead fish. I will buy kitty food there, and dry goods as I can rarely get to the LFS before they close, but that's it.

[Sparky]

Same here. I have been to 2 of them by me (south chicagoland area), Clowns and Yellow Tangs, and alot of dead Damsels. I think it is they just don't have anyone with enough knowledge of saltwater to really take care of the fish. Damsels are pretty tough, but in one store they had at least a couple in each tank that were dead.

[nodoubt471]

i work in the fish dept at a petco. ive heard mixed reviews, i know i do the best i can in my department, and im glad to hear that you had a good experience with them. just fyi all, petco is moving away from medication as a quick fix and is adressing the real problem- the quality fish we get from our suppliers. most of the time we receive fish that are already infested with ich and velvet and then it is our job to treat it. and there has been significantly less disease and death recently, the suppliers are finially listening to us. just wanted you all to know that they do listen and take customer issues seriously, and they are doing their best.

[Salttanker]

That is good to hear Kate. Hopefully the one by me will start using QT soon with the new arrivals.

Mike

[Corty]

Originally Posted by nodoubt471

i work in the fish dept at a petco. ive heard mixed reviews, i know i do the best i can in my department, and im glad to hear that you had a good experience with them. just fyi all, petco is moving away from medication as a quick fix and is adressing the real problem- the quality fish we get from our suppliers. most of the time we receive fish that are already infested with ich and velvet and then it is our job to treat it. and there has been significantly less disease and death recently, the suppliers are finially listening to us. just wanted you all to know that they do listen and take customer issues seriously, and they are doing their best.

Thank you for posting this. I have personally complained and felt that I wasn't heard. It's good to know that there are people in the company who care about the welfare of the animals. I did notice that in the past two years, several PetCos have upped the care of the rodents and birds (although one still seems to advocate keeping rodents in one gallon critter keepers, the others have stopped), but I haven't noticed any change in the fish.

I'm very glad to hear that some changes are being made.

[petitemonk]

The one near me is horrible... Every time i go in there dead fish everwhere... I havent seen a person working in the fish department yet. And the survival is really bad. oh well I guess there are always a few that are bad : )

[Mr Crabs]

My local Petco just went through a huge change. Remodeled and really upped the quality of care in their fish dept. it seems. Like everybody said there were always dead fish in the tank and unhealthy looking. Now they have a much more variety of livestock and healthier looking fish. Still leary of buying anything there but I am glad to see some major improvements.

[nodoubt471]

and keep in mind it is very difficult to care for 2000+ fish, and it is also very difficult to find a certified aquatic specialist.

[first-timer89]

Very true

[dansemacabre]

first-timer89: the one in sterling hts @ lakeside?

[first-timer89]

no, in novi across the street from 12 oaks mall

[lando]

I have a Petco near me. The prices on the SW fish is really good. However, the condition of the fish and the tanks are suspect. I would not buy anything from this place. Everything looks so unhealthy. Honestly, it really depends on the experience and care of the staff at each store. If the Petco near you gives you good advice, has clean tanks and great looking livestock go for it. Consider yourself lucky. Lando

[luckycat]

Originally Posted by first-timer89

no, in novi across the street from 12 oaks mall

Hi, What a coincidence! I just got back from that new Petco, got a couple bags of Ocean Salt at a pretty good price, and chatted for a while with one younger guy about their saltwater tanks, and fish in general. I was happily surprised with the knowledge that this guy had, most of it jived with my limited knowledge... I think his name started with a "D".

I think I'll be back there, but my favorite fish store in the area is the Pet Supplier on Highland and Duck Lake road. They usually have a good mix of fish, and a knowledgeable staff.

[first-timer89]

how about the one at 15 mile road and ryan?

[crow123]

i work at Petco, i am training to be the fish specialist cant wait! the guy in charge of fish right now sucks, he feeds the triggers goldfish, and he says alot of bs to customers about fish

[petitemonk]

heh cool, at least your be knowledgeable: )
Kudos to the Specialist!!!