Things not to do in the LFS

[BCOrchidGuy]

When first getting started in the hobby there are a few things you need to do, like, ask lots of questions. It's best to get a number of different opinions, if something doesn't make sense, ask for clarity. Do try to get to as many stores as you can to see how they keep their tanks, etc, look for dead fish in the tanks but mainly, there are af few things you shouldn't do.

1). When at the LFS, if one of the people is working with a customer on a sale, DO NOT interupt and tell them that the item they are looking at is cheaper at the store you were just at.

2) Don't expect them to bend over and give You a good deal if you just broke rule 1.

3) Don't expect them to be Un Hostile with you after your comment cost them the sale.

4) Don't stick your hand in tanks to see how the fish/anemones/etc feel.

5) Don't expect to get everything you want at one store, alot of times you need to have access to two or more stores to really get everything you need.

6) When the staff discounts something for you, don't whine and moan for a larger discount.

7) When you get stuff home, if you drop something on the floor, don't just through it in the garbage, yes it may be damaged but it may recover nicely. I had a mishap with a montipora digitata I was moving, as I was walking with it my wife came around the corner with a bunch of stuff in her hand. My Montipora was suddenly 11 frags.. guess what.. they all grew back.

8) If you have a coral that's dying, don't take it back to the LFS and try to trade it in on a healthy coral. (This goes for fish too).

9) If you buy a coral/fish and you didn't research it on your own before you bought it don't blame the LFS when it eats everything in your tank. (ask the store to hold an item for 24 hours if you really like it but DO YOUR RESEARCH).

10) Don't expect the LFS staff to think for you, they may get to know you but chances are they wont remember everything in your tank, don't just rely on, "Will this be okay in my tank?" see rule 9. Folks make mistakes, do your homework. If you put it in your tank, you're the one who's decided to do it, you're the one who'll have to deal with it if it's a big mistake.

Doug