Newbies be Carefull!!

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by howdy20012002

I am truly surprised that the store bashing has been allowed to this point.

Neal

Neal, I hope this thread doesn't come across as store bashing, I haven't interpreted it as such. I think the OP had an unreal expectation being new to the hobby, and that's been conveyed by many responses.

We've all heard good and bad about every LFS in existence, it goes with the territory.
In this case, I don't think that the store discussed has done anything questionable or under handed, and if they want to offer a membership with additional benefits, I see that as a value-added feature. Good on them.

Sometimes stores charge more than other stores for the same fish, but keep in mind, each fish is individual, as is the treatment they get once received.
I've bought 4 PB Tangs in my time of reef keeping. The last one was 50% more than I've ever paid. It's also the only one that's survived and is thriving in my tank. Partially a coincidence, I'm sure, but the store held it in QT for me close to 2 months. That costs money, and I can't expect them to eat that cost.
Overall, I think this thread is of a civil tone, and the store in question should be happy with the exposure.