Newbie! With A Question...

[aly_starh]

Hi, im new to TFF

Currently have 1 male halfmoon betta in a 10 litre tank!

some quick stats of my new tank:

-Juwel Rekord 16 UK gallons (around 65 litres )
-lots of plants (11)
-Interpet ipf duo filter
-150w heater
-Argos playsand substrate

I have the tetra liquid test kit!

Its not cycled yet, im hoping to do a fish-in cycle...VERY CAREFULLY! I know...

I just wanted to ask what peoples thoughts were on Pets At Homes fishes as i was looking at thier variety and it seemed quite good apart from a few things

Help would be appreciated! Thanks

 

[Geoff1991]

Its a sore subject around here.

Some people have had good experiences and some shockingly bad, it all depends on the staff that work at there so varies from store to store. You'll just have to see what theyre like unless you know anyone in your area thats bought from the same shop.

I know the one closest to me is horrifying but one a bit further on is fantastic...

 

[coldcazzie]

I agree - the one near me is not too bad but depends on the staff - some are clueless and just follow a script, some are really good.

 

[aly_starh]

Ok thanks!

 

[Jallen]

Their fish are fine, their advice is poor.

 

[rabbut]

Well, the one at the opposite side of Leeds to is called "Pra?s at Home" quite regularly, most tanks looked filthy, half of them had lights and filters on them bust and a lot of the fish were ill. There is a new branch near me that supposed to be really good though, I just haven't had the time to go look at it yet. It's meant to be a Marine specialist store too

 

[Davo86]

tbh i'd only buy fish from a pets @ home store if you are confident in your own judgement, that you can id what fish you are buying and are sure that it is 'visibly' disease free.

 

[keenonfish]

My mate purchased some fish at P@H stockport after the revamp and they all died of Columnaris, taking a few others with them - despite the tanks looking A1! I went back with him and the tank with the fish they offered to swap had outbreaks of white spot! inexcusable IMO!

Neither of us will go near the place now, (although I go for plants) that is despite them having quite unusual stock that looks ok!

 

[River Dog]

As you have gathered it varies quite a lot. But as Davo86 says, unless you are confident, how are you going to know? The quality issue isn't just with that chain of stores, its all fish shops. Some are A1 top quality and some are just poor, but unless you know what you are looking for, it can be difficult for you to know. Is there someone local top you that can come along and advise you ? if so its a good idea to take them.

 

[Marve99]

Wakey branch seems pretty good to me . Staff asking all of the right questions when puchasing fish and not selling to people with anappropriate tanks etc -spent loads of time talking to one guy who realy seemed to know his stuff, bought most of my stock there and had no problems

Edit -exception was the little guy in my footnote who came as a harlequin - I think he may be a red fin tetra?, he still thinks he's a harlequin!

 

[aly_starh]

Edit -exception was the little guy in my footnote who came as a harlequin - I think he may be a red fin tetra?, he still thinks he's a harlequin!

Haha.

Thank you for everyones replies. I Might purchase from there but with extreme caution. need to get my cycling out of the way first. Can't wait!!!

 

[Harlequins]

I'm not a fan of pets@home,my local one has 2 very large fish in a tiny tank,plus i've seen tanks with decomposing fish being eaten by their tank mates!!,i will never buy fish from there!

 

[aly_starh]

TBH. I have seen 1 tank with 1 dead fish but i saw that at my LFS too?!
so im not sure

 

[matchstickman47]

I'm not a fan of pets@home,my local one has 2 very large fish in a tiny tank,plus i've seen tanks with decomposing fish being eaten by their tank mates!!,i will never buy fish from there!

i havent been in a shop when in one tank this has not been the case...

to the op... i recommend maidenhead they r loadsa them in the uk im sure youl be able to find one

 

[rabbut]

^^ But even they can be variable. I wasn't impressed by the one at York for example...