Anyone have any experience with those clowns at PETCO

[onux20]

I picked up a pair of clowns from PETCO the other day. Cant remember what they sold them as, "misbar something or others". However, once I got them home they are STRUGGLING! The first night they ended up in the sump via the overflow. I decided to leave them there to recover and acclimate. Even in the sump they seem to be really struggling to keep afloat. In the DT, it would be a matter of time before the Vortech got them. Does anyone know of any known defects with the fish from these guys?

Ron

[Almon]

I bought a pair of B-grade Picassos from them last year. I kept them in QT and they both died within a week.

[treesprite]

I would not buy saltwater fish from there. It isn't necessarily the store itself that is the problem either, but a bad source. Even when I worked at PETCo & got a discount, I would not buy saltwater fish from there... I was the one who checked in the new shipments, and hence saw how many DOAs and sick fish were coming in.

[SunWyrm]

Some Petcos seem healthy enough. The one in Dale city was healthy when I got in my black misbar, but recently I about cry whenever I go in there. The Manassas one seems healthy whenever I go in, but they don't stock as much as the Dale city location, which is probably why they look so clean and healthy.

 

The ladies who work there also seem to care more about the fish health in general whereas this pet care manager, while nice enough and fairly knowledgeable has some quirks in knowledge that make me take pause. She doesn't like to use sumps for instance... only hob filters like a FW tank.

[lowsingle]

If you like, I have a breeder container that you can borrow to put them in if you want to give them a break and leave them in your DT.

 

cheers,

Darren

[onux20]

Thanks everyone. The pair are back in the sump and for the first time, dont look like they are struggling to keep upright. I will keep them there for a few days and see how they look. Both are eating which is good. I am still hopeful.

 

Ron

[FearTheTerps]

Shocked I haven't heard anyone mention this yet, but I guess I'll say it..... You really should QT any new fish. Especially with them being from Petco( or an LFS really), they could have any number of things(ich, parasites...) that could spread to your tank and infect your current livestock. A simple QT set up would consist of a 10 gallon tank, small heater, and a HOB or sponge filter. This should probably cost you less then 50 bucks and could save lots of money and headaches in the future. The QT will give you time to observe your fish, check for diseases, behavior issues, and also to make sure they are eating or adjusting to a different type of food.

 

There's no sense in removing then now, probably stressed enough at the moment, but just something to think about in the future.

[onux20]

Shocked I haven't heard anyone mention this yet, but I guess I'll say it..... You really should QT any new fish. Especially with them being from Petco( or an LFS really), they could have any number of things(ich, parasites...) that could spread to your tank and infect your current livestock. A simple QT set up would consist of a 10 gallon tank, small heater, and a HOB or sponge filter. This should probably cost you less then 50 bucks and could save lots of money and headaches in the future. The QT will give you time to observe your fish, check for diseases, behavior issues, and also to make sure they are eating or adjusting to a different type of food.

 

There's no sense in removing then now, probably stressed enough at the moment, but just something to think about in the future.

I know. I know. I dont have and have not intention of putting in a QT. Bad choice I know but my choice all the same. Thanks for the insight tho.

Edited June 19, 2011 by onux20

[amay121]

Good luck with the fish and sorry to hear your troubles.

 

I've had a black and white and regular occ for the past 3 years from Petco, just for an example. Would still have a flame angel that my wife bought me, but he met a carpet nem once. :(

[Reefoholic]

I had mixed experiences with petco animals. I had a damsel from them who also met my rock anemone. Sadly the anemone won the battle. Also, whenever I go to petco on Connecticut in dc their livestock looks extremely sad and unhealthy. I think petco is only good for emergency pumps or supplies.

[FearTheTerps]

I have gotten clowns, damsels, pj cardinals, and a niger trigger all from petco, had them for over a year and half until I got rid of them.