LFS needs to wake up

[CaptainBarnicles]

Bitterly disappointed today, just got home from the LFS and was astonished by one of their display tanks. The tank was no more than 150l, full of plastic plants covered in BBA and water that was opaque with mulm and crud. But what caught my eye was all the angelfish and gouramis ganging up on a tiny female betta that was desperately trying to hide in the only living plant's 2 leaves. Then there was the poor corydoras trying their best to snuffle through the slate-like shards that was intended as substrate and the 3 little neons lost in amongst it all.

I mean, honestly.

 

[Colin_T]

you forgot the suckiest suckermouth catfish that said "LOOK AT ME"

that's it, isn't it?
your just upset coz you saw a scary suckermouth catfish

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

I saw lots of bristlenose there...and they were those horrendous YELLOW ones ...but no, there wasn't any in that tank that I saw

 

[AquaBarb]

I had a similar experience last weekend with a fish store ive not been to for a good while but always had a good reputation here in the midlands.

Couldnt believe how downhill its gone. Really disappointing to see. Just wanted to roll my sleeves up and sort the whole store out.

 

[Wills]

I know the feeling far too well, it could be a sign of the times in the UK though, unfortunately. I was trying to track down some cichlids today and so many places I spoke to were so down beaten "I'd have been able to get them a few years ago, but no point now" "I feel bad for you looking for quality, but no chance since Brexit"

It makes you wonder if these places have just had the enthusiasm beaten out of them by the economy and all the new regulations.

Wills

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I know the feeling far too well, it could be a sign of the times in the UK though, unfortunately. I was trying to track down some cichlids today and so many places I spoke to were so down beaten "I'd have been able to get them a few years ago, but no point now" "I feel bad for you looking for quality, but no chance since Brexit"

It makes you wonder if these places have just had the enthusiasm beaten out of them by the economy and all the new regulations.

Wills

It was a final straw blow, along with covid, for my closest LFS. They were on a knife edge for a long time before that, and complained bitterly about new regulations and restrictions, and they certainly tried to run a decent shop, with actual hobbyist owners and staff.

They were already struggling to compete with Amazon, supermarkets, and chain pet/fish superstores. Every high street is now the same few chain stores, with rare exception.

Man, I sound like an old person. "I remember back when all this was just fields!!"