Tiger barb

[G_Sharky]

Okay, i'm really PO, i just bought a tiger barb a couple days ago and it's been really agressive causing some fin damage to my leo plec, I called my LFS today and asked if i could returned or exchange the fish, they told me that before purchasing a fish a staff would tell you if they will be compatible with your set-up, they told me it would be okay, now they won't even let me trade it for something else... what should i do with this fish, as I have no other tank to put it in, I really don't wanna flush him down the toilet....

 

[phoenix]

try to give it to a friend that has a tank, or stand in front of the LFS and give it to someone. Both are worth a try.

 

[Adrinal]

 

[sinistral]

Geez, that's awful! I'd recommend calling again and asking to speak to the manager, or if the manager isn't available somebody in a supervisor position. I'd tell them again that you were *assured* that this fish would be compatible, and that clearly it is not. Then I'd state that you are entitled to a refund. The customer is always right!

 

[rsz]

go back to the lfs again and tell them that they have to take back the fish because they did not give you correct advice. tiger barbs should be kept in groups of at least 5 and should not be kept on their own. the barb obviously isn't working in your tank and so you have the right to be able to return it.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

You should definitely talk to the manager and get a refund. However, some stores around here only have a two day guarantee unless you are a member. I hope it's not like that for you. Find another store that'll take the fish just in case the answer is still no. You should then call the Better Business Bureau to fix the problem and intimidate the store.

 

[Jht]

bag the fish up, and go down to the lfs and put the bag on the counter and walk out

 

[G_Sharky]

I'm just kidding about the flushing... I would never do that....lol. I'm not gonna go to that LFS again as all they've been doing is selling me a lot of fish and not telling me how take care of them/not to kill them. I bought all my fish in there and lost about 13 fishes already that includes the 8 neons that i bought that half of it was eaten by my angel, and i told the people there what i have in my tank.... Anyways my barb seems to behaving now, he's only been harrasing my plec, i'd probably give him to my sis' boyfriend as soon as he's done cycling. Hes another victim of the same LFS, they sold him a 10 gallon and sold him a load of fish which he did, and most of them are dead now(he had 9, 3 left). He and I never heard about cycling until i went to the web and found this forum..... what a lifesaver....so Thanks for all your help guys..

 

[Olive]

bag the fish up, and go down to the lfs and put the bag on the counter and walk out

These are all really great suggestions. I agree that flushing isn't the best solution, since the Barb is just doing what nature has programmed him to do. What hasn't been mentioned is that the barb is doing that more so than he probably would be if he were in a shoal of 6 or more. They are a schooling fish and choose to pick on each other (no nipped fins, just your basic run of the mill chasing and horseplay) instead of other fish when in a good sizeable group. I have learned this the hard way as well..........now we have a big group of them and the only time I had a problem was with really extravagant guppies......which a lot of our regular, peaceful fish couldn't seem to resist those pretty tails either. So you have yet another option. Do you have another LFS to go to about this? Maybe they will sell you 5 more barbs under the notion that if they don't work well you can bring all 6 back for a credit? I have a back up LFS here (I am finding that I am really lucky with that) that usually will work with me if another wont. I am loyal though, usually I don't need my back up. Sounds like the LFS store doesn't know their stuff or they would have told you about the safety in numbers solution. *IF* you decide to continue to go there due to lack of a better place to buy fish (I have been there before too!) only go when the manager/owner is there. If they aren't there when you can be there, talk to them on the phone and get a go between that knows what you were told and will honor any promises or information that you have been told. Many managers/owners know that people will spread the word about them (good or bad) and want to keep you coming back. It is possible that the manager/owner doesn't even know about what is going on with you. When you do get the manager/owner, try to ask many questions, and listen to what they have to say. Kiss their butt, make friends. My back up LFS (second choice!) owner is a b*tch but I make her feel like a God when I am there, which gets me excellent, free advice, and the occasional free item and more leverage when it comes to situations like this. While in real life you may not be a memeber of the a*s kissing club, find a way to do it there. Your tank is worth it, and you will have a much better understanding of how to keep your tank happy. It has really worked for me. Remember that in most cases, these people who have decided to open these LFS have been hobbiests for years. Their knowledge is *usually* superior to any "chain" store out there. However, they are having to compete with these chains for business and are having a horrible time making a profit. To compensate, they are having to hire cheap labor without much training or knowledge to keep up. The higher prices in your LFS reflect what is going on in their businesses, but you usually get a healthier fish as a result as they buy from reputable breeders and quarantine. The day to day competing with these stores and the nightmares they have to fix once a chain has given bad advice is starting to leave a bad taste in some of their mouths.
Like I said, get the owner/manager. See what happens from there. Give the little nipper away, get more friends for him, or storm in with him and while you are leaving yell to the other customers to get out or they will sell you something that will kill their entire tank. I am sure that the latter will get you an employee running after you to save face and help you with your problem. I had to do that once, and now those people kiss MY a*s!!!!!
Let us know what happens........please!