Decided to do an informal poll

[Anonymous]

I don't think we can usefully compare the extremes of online and b&m. It seems that one or two examples, good or bad, is not a great way to paint the entire way of doing business.
There are good of each and there are bad of each, just as there are pros and cons of each.

Most of the LFS in my area don't do water tests at all for customers, and most that do use 'quick dip' tests.

BTW, I still use a vortex, but only when naked

To be fair, there's numerous stores in the Bay Area that do water testing and use kits like Salifert. Sadly, for the majority, your right though. One store charges $2 a test ($2 per nitrate, #2 for nitrite, etc). Stories come from that store like "I told them I had a new tank, but they tested everything anyways, and CHARGED ME" That dude got is phosphates checked on a two week old tank, and Silica :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Gresh - you would know as you visit them for your job! Is there one within 20 minutes of my house that does? PM me and let me know. All of the ones I used to rely on for to check my water to check my test kit, either don't do it, or use poor kits.