LFS Experience

[fishnut]

At the lfs where I buy livestock, the policy is that the fish will only be held if you pay for it first. About 4 days after paying in full for a saltwater angelfish, I noticed that it had white spots on its fins. The owner told me that it had lymphocystis, and that a porkfish in the same tank would take care of the problem, and that the fish would be cured by the time I would be ready to take it home, in about a month's time. This person also said that the fish was "healthy" and eating. I observed that the fish had a chunk out of the dorsal fin, and informed the owner that I did not wish to take it. I was unable to get a credit or a refund - instead I was offered a 2 inch scroll coral - worth $ 100 according to the owner - in place of the fish (which was priced at $ 150). I know for sure that I could buy the same coral for $ 35 at J & L, or one 4x the size at another local lfs for the same price. I'd like to know what you guys think of this, and any suggestions as to how you would have handled this situation. Thanks.

P.S. I had purchased 4 tanks, 3 skimmers, 1-MH/
VHO lighting unit, 1 aquarium cabinet, live rock, powerheads, salt, and 10 fish from this person previous to this incident. Their claim was that they would have difficulty in selling this fish to anyone else since it was one they didn't usually get in (I had requested it).