Am I the worst fish keeper here?

[Loveless]

don't give up, I am glad I Didn't when I had my 1st ich outbreak

neons are such weaklings that'll die at first sign of bad water. they often come to fish stores with problems... maybe from inbreed?

 

[Tenko]

I took some water to 2 lfs today and they agreed with my readings, the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph are all fine so that implies that I've at least got that right. The tap water is crap around here though, apparently quite hard. I might get some peat granuals to add to the filter to help the fish a little.

Oh yes, I found a half eaten cardinal today too. Not sure if he died or was attacked. I've kept a close eye on the tank all day but witnessed no further unpleasant events.

I'm learning not to trust lfs advice. The latest one I've been going to have been telling me how friendly gouramis are. You guys and another lfs totally contradict their advice. I think I'll ask here first in future.

 

[Doggfather]

don't give up...it''s a hard hobby, but one of the best out there

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Tenko

Just a few words about lfs.......

If you shop at a chain store, you will most likely run into sales clerks who have little training or experience with fish. Often they mean well, but just can't be very helpful. Since they pick up a lot of their knowledge from people who know even less than they do, it's often wrong.

Look for an independently owned lfs, even if you have to travel a ways to shop there. When you have a small business that is owned and operated by the same person you are more apt to find a situation where your repeat patronage is desired. You will also find sales help who are hobbyists themselves and who, if they can't help you, are less likely to harm you with the wrong information.

Once you find such a place make yourself known there. You will find that the fish are healthier and the service better than at the chain stores. I think you will find that it is well worth the effort.