LFS ICH

[Go Fish]

Hi everyone! I was just at my LFS today (always gawking & dreaming :wink: ) anyway when I looked at the fish, some looked poor, upon closer scrutiny I realized that a few had noticeable Ich . Normally all their fish look exceptionaly healthy. When I talked to the guy he said that they wouldn't sell ANY fish until it was ok, which I really apreciate. I guess my question is, Is this something that just happens or is it poor attentiveness? Should I be turned off?

 

[MattM]

It can happen if the LFS does not adequately quarantine new arrivals.

With the volume of fish going through an LFS's tanks, and the stress of shipping, it is impossible to prevent cryptocaryon from coming into the store. The key is to put new arrivals into a low stress system (fewer tankmates, heavy feeding, reduced lighting, shielded from constant foot traffic, etc.) to allow them to recover and beat the parasites before transfering them to the main system.

That being said, there are very few LFS's set up with quarantine systems and procedures in place to ensure their proper use. Consider that to be "best practice" and what your guy is doing (not selling) to be the next best thing.

 

[Anonymous]

i know that we have a lfs here that has continuous outbreaks of ich in their tanks. it's very sad. the locals have given the store the new name "death world".

i attribute a lot of the cause to the fact that they do not acclimate any of the criters they get in. i've witnessed their procedures on more than one occasion.

they get the animals in on a thursday morning. all in bags and piled in shopping carts. they will sit for hours in those bags. then, once someone has a chance, they begin the "pop and dump" method - pop the bags and dump them in.

 

[aliendomain]

It's sad to hear that so many have had bad experiences with LFS. I work at one for over eight years and I think we were the only place around that would guarantee SW fish. If your LFS won't sell you fish due to problems of their own then they are out to win your trust and business. Not a bad practice, I wish there were more stores like that around. But I would be wary of buying any fish from them until they have had that ich problem under control for at least a month or be sure to QT anything you get from them and ask for a guarantee.
Good luck,
<A>