Swapping Fry For Fish In Lfs

[crmpicco]

I have produced a number of fry over the past few months and some of them have been promoted up to the main tank (70 ltr) from my hatchery tank.
 
Due to recent deaths, I only have one Otocinclas in my tank and two Harlequins. I was wondering about how other forums users have got on when they have visited the likes of Dobbies or Pets at Home to swap a bunch of fry for other fish, or indeed other supplies?
 
I'd be happy to swap a dozen guppy and platy fry for two Otocinclas and one harlequin to bring my stock back in line - however i'd like to know what experiences others have had with these stores when swapping fish.

 

[sadguppy]

Phone them and ask. No two shops are the same so best to research local ones.

 

[JenJ]

Absolutely ask, but I wouldn't be too hopeful of getting much (or anything) in return for live bearer fry.

I spoke to my local MA last week and they said they would consider taking less prevalent stuff such as my panda cory babies, but with live bearers they wouldn't even want to take them in, let alone give something in exchange for them.

 

[Mikey1]

no harm in asking but most stores dont even want fry, even for free....
 
all fry will do is take up tank space until they are big enough to sell, which is a waste for most stores, most stores want to get fish in and sell them as quickly as possible

 

[Lunar Jetman]

I would have thought you're better off trying the smaller independent shops rather than chain stores like P@H who will have their suppliers decided by head office and probably won't have staff able to even consider your proposal.

 

[Joshwainwright]

It's more likely that an independent LFS would be more interested but you never know, a P@H may be too. You could also post an advert on the Aquarist Classifieds to see if anyone local is interested

 

[crmpicco]

Thanks, has anyone on here actually had success though?
 
I'll give P@H and Dobbies a call when i'm looking to move some fish on and see what their chat is.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I had great success with my guppy fry, selling them to a brand new LFS when he first opened, only because he didn't know any better, I think. He doesn't know much at all about fish.
 
But as said above, you'll not likely have luck trying to give them away. Established LFSs have their suppliers lined up already. This is one reason I recommend not jumping through all the hoops of breeder nets and fry tanks for livebearers. Some will survive without all this, plus you'll spare the stress on the moms.