LFS - NASTY place... NOT a sponsor...

[Bill S]

Wow. I stopped by a LFS that is not a MAAST sponsor today, because I was driving by - to see what they might have for my FW tank. Holy carp. The place has gone to the dogs. I actually found something I wanted, but was too afraid to buy it.

As I was leaving, I mentioned to one of the guys that I'd found something I wanted, but was too afraid to buy it "because of all of the dead fish in the tanks". I quit counting at 100 dead fish. There is NO excuse for that - especially with employees just standing around. You know what he said? "I went through the tanks earlier today...". REALLY? And they are STILL DYING?

BTW, I'd estimate that 5% of their SWF were dead in the tank. One tank had a dead anemone in it!

What a dump. And they are paying people to stand around and look at the dump.

[Europhyllia]

well where is it?

[CoryDude]

My bet is that it's a former sponsor.

Those fish weren't dead, they were resting.

[Scream311]

Yes please share so the rest of us don't make the mistake to waste our $ there

[Bill S]

No, I'm not going to rat them out. But I did file a complaint with the "town"...

[tebstan]

Sounds like some employees are working in the wrong field. Even if they don't like their boss or their paycheck, they should still have some concern for the living creatures in their care. It's a shame when you *hope* they were just ignorant, and didn't know what to do about the problem.

Any person or any store can have problems in their tanks, it's how those problems are handled that matters. If this place was a former sponsor, slamming their name won't make them want to sign up again. However, they'll recognize themselves in that description, and hopefully make some improvements.

[Pennies2Cents]

This is too bad... :(

[jrsatx20]

did the tanks still have the black algae in them bill. they werent dead they were a new species if flounder

[jrnannery]

I was at one a couple days ago that used to have a HUGE green moray...gone now...shame, and their tanks were full of a super dark green slime...almost all of them. Anyway, they had some nice hardware -- tanks and such -- but the rest was pretty bad.

[tebstan]

I was at one a couple days ago that used to have a HUGE green moray...gone now...shame

That tank leaked, I believe. That eel was around a long time. Nothing lasts forever, but it is a shame to see an icon gone. Tanks weren't perfect, but I got incredibly good customer service there. Spectacular, actually.

[jrnannery]

Yeah, that eel was awesome. Any idea what happened to him?

[tebstan]

I didn't ask... :( When I heard the tank had leaked, I didn't want to inquire. Really, what do you do with a thing like that? He might have been gone long before anyway. Last time I'd seen him, which was years ago, he was looking ancient even then.

[SoLiD]

Wasn't the eel blind? His eyes looked clouded and his tank water was always very dirty.... Poor Guy.

[chunkymonkey]

I think you should dime the store out.....former sponsor or not. Allowing others for their input if direct experience as well as warning others of bad livestock or conditions.

[Reefer4ever]

From what I heard from an employee there, the eel was sold. But, I am not sure that was the truth. I was young when I asked, 13 years old, so maybe he was trying to make it seem like he was still alive and well:/

[Regric25]

From what I heard from an employee there, the eel was sold. But, I am not sure that was the truth. I was young when I asked, 13 years old, so maybe he was trying to make it seem like he was still alive and well:/

If its the right store im thinking of I asked them and the eel was sold. Good customer svc there too BTW

[profntbtr]

how many lfs have an iconic eel?? i can only think of one. the last time i went in i said specifically "so did that eel finally die? he's been looking not so hot for a while," and the employee told me that it had been sold when the tank started to separate, although i can't think of anyone who has the space for a 5-6' eel. oh yeah and i'm a grown man so sugar coating of that variety is unlikely.

[Europhyllia]

how many lfs have an iconic eel??
Not everybody checks stores for eels. I don't.

[Scream311]

Yeah, that eel was awesome. Any idea what happened to him?

I was there last back in October inquiring about that Massive Tank and was interested in Buying it especially @ only $1500 ! But when I was told that the seams started to seperate and that the tank was emptied in fear of leaks I passed and then asked what happened to that Gorgeous Eel ! I was told that he had been Sold to a Guy out of Laredo with a 1500 gallon tank. So rest a sure he's doin well

[Big_Pun]

two stores in sa had large green morrays, i believe one of them died

[chunkymonkey]

Alamo Aquatic Pets....that eel was huge. I could only imagine trying to move it. It's been hit or miss on good info there for me.

[DarkHorseMBA]

Ok can some one just say the name of the LFS, if only on PM. Seems all of the "old hands" know the inside story, but us new guys/girls are left to fend for ourselves and mistakenly shop at this place.

[Big_Pun]

Ok can some one just say the name of the LFS, if only on PM. Seems all of the "old hands" know the inside story, but us new guys/girls are left to fend for ourselves and mistakenly shop at this place.

you will know if you walk in there, and if you walk in a store and stuff doesnt look right just turn around and leave. Also we like to be called "old salties" or should i say they do, im still a youngster in this hobby lol.

[DarkHorseMBA]

you will know if you walk in there, and if you walk in a store and stuff doesnt look right just turn around and leave. Also we like to be called "old salties" or should i say they do, im still a youngster in this hobby lol.

Old salties, nice :-). So how many years/tears qualifies one for that distinction?


DarkHorseMBA
___________________________
Sent from my iPhone

[Europhyllia]

I think the worst that can come of this is that there is more than one LFS with a big eel and the wrong LFS gets a bad reputation. That would suck for them.

[Big_Pun]

I think the worst that can come of this is that there is more than one LFS with a big eel and the wrong LFS gets a bad reputation. That would suck for them.
True but a crappy fish store doesnt always stop people from going if stuff is cheap, it should but it doesnt


Old salties, nice :-). So how many years/tears qualifies one for that distinction?


i dont want to know ! ill always be young lmao

[jrsatx20]

Alamo aquatics on bandera is the one we are talking about.

[Europhyllia]

That's sad. :(
Over 10 years ago I bought my first skimmer there for my very first saltwater nano. :)
I don't keep up with the stores. There's only 3 I shop at regularly.

It can go down really fast though. I stopped by one of the newer shops recently (had been to before) and it's changed a lot as well since it changed hands. It looks like in this business just a couple of months of neglect really become obvious fast.

[dipan]

Before I knew anything about salt, I used to go in there all the time and Gabe would help me out with what used to be the best aquatic plant selection in town ...

[tebstan]

It's possible the original post wasn't even referring to Alamo Aquatics...

Every store will have it's good and bad. It's easy to remember the negative and not comment on the positive. That's how ugly threads get started and get out of control. Constructive criticism is one thing, slamming someone is another.

At AA lot of tanks were empty. It costs a lot of money to fill those tanks, and reputations rebuild slowly. This economy might make a business owner hesitant to take risks. While the selection was slim, it was greatly varied. The prices ranged from fair to fantastic. The staff was helpful but didn't hover. He was honest. I respect that. I got return phone calls when I had a request, and he had more follow through than most would have shown. I try to give that kind of customer service, it was refreshing to get it in return.

[Europhyllia]

I got return phone calls when I had a request, and he had more follow through than most would have shown.
Follow-through is super important. So often businesses drop the ball on that.

[DarkHorseMBA]

Alamo aquatics on bandera is the one we are talking about.

That's too bad I've been there several times for FW fish, and the SW fish have always looked good to me. I've not bought a SW fish, they never seem to have what I'm looking for at the time. They are always helpful, but I get the sense they are just starting, bouncing back or under new ownership.

My tank seemed to have stabilized, and I plan on adding a pair of Clowns or a Trigger fish this week end. I'll shop around and check them out anyway, I really want to like them they are easy to get to from my home.

[CoryDude]

True but a crappy fish store doesnt always stop people from going if stuff is cheap, it should but it doesnt


Bam, I know what lfs you're talking about.

[Big_Pun]

Bam, I know what lfs you're talking about.

just saying in general.

[CoryDude]

It's possible the original post wasn't even referring to Alamo Aquatics...

Every store will have it's good and bad. It's easy to remember the negative and not comment on the positive. That's how ugly threads get started and get out of control. Constructive criticism is one thing, slamming someone is another.

At AA lot of tanks were empty. It costs a lot of money to fill those tanks, and reputations rebuild slowly. This economy might make a business owner hesitant to take risks. While the selection was slim, it was greatly varied. The prices ranged from fair to fantastic. The staff was helpful but didn't hover. He was honest. I respect that. I got return phone calls when I had a request, and he had more follow through than most would have shown. I try to give that kind of customer service, it was refreshing to get it in return.

How is it "slamming" someone if you're just relaying what you actually saw at a place? If the op was talking about AA, then this isn't the first time they've had negative reviews on this site. I know I personally have posted good and bad thoughts on that store. I'm re-reading the posts on this thread and I don't see anything that I would consider malicious or untrue.

But, here's my gripe about AA. I come from a family where my mom and dad both have their own businesses. They've always taught me that you shouldn't run a business if you're gonna do it half-assed. Believe me, I know all about this economy (I work in real estate) and I personally know a lot of lfs owners that have been feeling the pinch for the last few years too. But, they've managed to at least make keep their stores clean, give the appearance of fully stocked tanks and dry goods, and remove any sick and dying animals.

Reputations do build slowly, but they crumble even faster and IMHO that's what happened to AA.

[brewercm]

I think you guys are getting out of hand with saying that it was or wasn't AA that Bill was talking about. He never even brough them up. That was from another poster "jrnannery" a few post later about the tank with the eel.

This is some of the reasons that MAAST has a hard time keeping sponsors when threads get so out of whack that nobody even knows what the original poster was talking about. If the OP wants to say which store it was then great, otherwise this is thread is doing nothing more than damaging both MAAST and other stores now that may have nothing to do with the OP's comments.

[cbianco]

I think that creating threads and not explaining EXACTLY what your talking about can also be a problem.

Unless Bill tell us who he is talking about, this thread is neither about a vendor or a product and should be locked or moved to the lounge. this thread is about a ghost and speculation is going to haunt us.

Christopher


I think you guys are getting out of hand with saying that it was or wasn't AA that Bill was talking about. He never even brough them up. That was from another poster "jrnannery" a few post later about the tank with the eel.

This is some of the reasons that MAAST has a hard time keeping sponsors when threads get so out of whack that nobody even knows what the original poster was talking about. If the OP wants to say which store it was then great, otherwise this is thread is doing nothing more than damaging both MAAST and other stores now that may have nothing to do with the OP's comments.

[jrsatx20]

to explain my answer. ive have been to the store a number of times to see if things have changed. but always the same when i walk in green and black slime in the tanks. one time i couldnt see corals cause of it.
AA is not the only store like that. this thread should no way make a sponsor not want to become a sponsor. you should take pride in the business you own and to have something like was described just proves the owner just dont care.

[chunkymonkey]

If this thread keeps a sponsorfrom coming, then they have their own issues. Members should be able to give feedback positive or negative in a general forum. Guess nobody should ever complain about the neglect of fish in Walmart, they may never wanna come here either. As a person who has had good success with a forum, sponsors don't have to be worshipped, respected to an extent, yes. Then again, members don't have to be worshipped either, but have a forum that serves as a good medium between the two for input and feedback. Both positive and negative things should be shared with the proper backup or detail/proof. Perfect case wif have been another member(Ramsey) who shared his experience showing both his positive point of view as well as the negative which he showed ample info to backup his remarks. The forum serves as the neutral ground, but keeps out the bashing and blatant rudeness.

[Bill S]

Look, I'm NOT going to name names. The reason for the post:

1) because it ticks me off seeing a business run that way (having worked my tail off in a LFS from 8th grade thru college, making SURE the above didn't happen)

and

2) because it's JUST possible that someone from a store or stores in town that meets this description may just decide to do something about it.

For those that think I'm and/or we are just bashing, that's not the purpose. For those that want to know where to shop, stick to our sponsors.

BTW, I just came back from Dave's Rare Fish (sorry, no SW). What a cool place. BTW, out of THOUSANDS of fish I didn't see 1 dead one (yes, every store has losses and they aren't always small - but by 5pm, the dead fish from the night before should be out of the tank...).

[Big_Pun]

If this thread keeps a sponsorfrom coming, then they have their own issues. Members should be able to give feedback positive or negative in a general forum. Guess nobody should ever complain about the neglect of fish in Walmart, they may never wanna come here either. As a person who has had good success with a forum, sponsors don't have to be worshipped, respected to an extent, yes. Then again, members don't have to be worshipped either, but have a forum that serves as a good medium between the two for input and feedback. Both positive and negative things should be shared with the proper backup or detail/proof. Perfect case wif have been another member(Ramsey) who shared his experience showing both his positive point of view as well as the negative which he showed ample info to backup his remarks. The forum serves as the neutral ground, but keeps out the bashing and blatant rudeness.

I agree we should be able to honestly post our experiences positive or negative without being scared of the post being locked or erased. as a club we should strive to better this hobby not be worried who gets offended. still people shouldn't speculate without facts and knowing what lfs was being talked about.

[350gt]

I bought a Blue hippo from AA and its doing fine. Even made it through a little case of ICK, I didnt think he would pull through.

I know I am very new to the game but when I was there, it seemed clean to me. If it didnt I wouldnt have bought the hippo from them..

but I do think I know what store they are talking about....

[Europhyllia]

I think the point was that it was drifting rapidly into speculations in regards to who this store is and without a name given could easily be misinterpreted to mean the wrong store.
Of course people are going to guess what this is about!
If you read a post don't you want to understand what's behind it?
So I would say as far as vendor and product feedback goes I agree with cbianco: give a name of the product or vendor, give the details of the transaction
otherwise it's more of a general reefkeeping rant and not vendor/product feedback IMO

[Regric25]

All I can say is, WOW! lol I wish my threads would generate 5 pages in 24 hrs.

[jrsatx20]

I only show 2 pages. Might have to adjust your settings

[350gt]

Mine shows 5.

[jrsatx20]

Check ur profile settings. Change the amount of post u see per page

[Bill S]

I think the point was that it was drifting rapidly into speculations in regards to who this store is and without a name given could easily be misinterpreted to mean the wrong store.
Of course people are going to guess what this is about!
If you read a post don't you want to understand what's behind it?
So I would say as far as vendor and product feedback goes I agree with cbianco: give a name of the product or vendor, give the details of the transaction
otherwise it's more of a general reefkeeping rant and not vendor/product feedback IMO

Karin, I hear what you say - I just disagree. If there's a LFS owner or employee reading this, all they have to do is ask around: "Hey, did an old guy complain about all the dead fish in the store on Tuesday?".

Or, they just need to LOOK around. We are ALL guilty of this - my office is a dump. But, I don't realize it because I'm always in it, and it got that way slowly over time. When I worked in a LFS, the owners were anal about the place. ALL tank fronts were cleaned twice a day - saltwater even more often. All inside walls were cleaned twice a week. Floors were vacuumed or mopped twice a day (once right before closing). Even the filtes housings were cleaned once a week when replaced. Large water changes were done 3x a week. No, it didn't take extra employees to do this - most of the day the stores are dead - and no one stood around talking.

Contrast this to Dave's - where nearly all of his volume is online - and the store and tanks were very clean. The livestock was "happy" and healthy. And not a single dead animal.

[Mike]

"Hey, did an old guy complain about all the dead fish in the store on Tuesday?".


Come on Bill, you are not that old... :)

Beyond that comment, I am not stepping into the middle of this. I can see both side's points, along with Bill's, and think they are all valid. You know what they say about opinions...

[brewercm]

It's not that I think problem places shouldn't be pointed out. I just think somewhere along the way speculation took over and all the sudden it became a jump on AA when I don't know if the OP meant them. Granted I haven't been there in many years myself but more due to location than any issues I had with them. If Bill doesn't want to name names at this point or any is his choice and I have no problem with that either. If I want to know I can PM him or give him a call and then it's still his call. It's just the piling onto a business that may or may not have been the one he was talking about. Things like this can and do give businesses concern when they look at being sponsors whether anyone believes it or not.

Bill, I don't think you were bashing. It just seemed to become a pile on to a business that may or may not have been the one you were talking about.

[Bill S]

You know what they say about opinions...

"And some of them stink"

[tebstan]

I didn't mean to imply that Bill was bashing anyone. Sorry, Bill, I didn't think you were.

I was pointing out that ugly things begin that simply... commenting on a negative experience. It brings out the negative opinions and memories of others, and what started as a moment of venting can quickly become malicious.

Bill didn't mean to bash anyone, and I'm sure if asked, no one else did either. But it's not the individual intent that matters after 5 pages. This thread left a bad taste in my mouth. This is not the attitude I like to see at MAAST.

No one even knows who the original post was about, but it quickly became an opportunity to point out the negative. I posted a positive note in the vendor forum, and it got one lonely response. I was ecstastic about my good experience, but it wasn't as impressive as a negative one.

[jrnannery]

Actually, I didn't name any names either, Brewer. I just pointed out that I, too had an experience recently where a store was having issues, and come to think of it, they had multiple dead fish piled in a corner in one of their tanks. Had I wished to name names, I would have. I have every right, and even a responsibility to my fellow members, and even to the LFS to point out that they are slacking. It's not pretty, but that's business. I would certainly wnt you guys looking out for me, and I will always do the same for you.

No one would ever say, 'Don't buy corals from Ace...he had AEFW once.' We would, hopefully,support him, help him get through the problem, and as soon as his corals were ready to frag, we would buy as many of them as we could. That doesn't mean it would be wise to just stick that new coral in your tank without quarantine, but that's good advise no matter who the seller is.

As for piling on, and speculation as to which store it was? Well, when you post a rant, and refuse to give the name, you invite an open discussion like this. And no, there would be no convenient way to have discussed this with 10 different people via PMs. That's the reason for a forum, and that's exactly what transpired. I'm glad this thread was started, but I wish names had been named, even though that would not have stopped people from sharing their experiences. Nor should it have. This is supposed to be an open discussion about the things we do, and the experiences we have.

What do sponsors bring to the table anyway? I know that for the membership there is a discount on purchases, maybe a few other perks for the membership, but does the heirarchy get anything out of it? Does the organization itself benefit? Do they help pay the light bill? Regardless of the answer, that is all well and good. The fact remains, however, that, regardless of whether a store is a sponsor or not, they have a duty to the laws of business to maintain an atmosphere of competence, so that we, the body, will go there and spend our greenbacks. If they can't keep up a store, well, that's business.

As for any talk of locking a thread because people are sharing ideas? Been there, done that. The truth is, by blocking opportunity for PUBLIC debate amongst the body, the organization itself fails in its mission. Nowhere in the bylaws does it say (does it?) that we all have to agree 100% of the time. If it did, then we would all likely have the same tank, with the same livestock, and the same general setup. I didn't come here to be sheltered. I came to MAAST, and paid my membership fee to gain a better understanding of this hobby, and maybe to make a few friends along the way. And if a sponsor gets their feathers ruffled every now and again in the process, so be it. Criticism makes for a better outcome. One way or another.

Thanks
Richard

[txg8gxp]

Lets try to keep this thread on subject please, without pointing fingers/ calling people out/ questioning sponsor/ etc. Everyone who wants to post please do, just please add some info we can all benefit from.

[tebstan]

It's not so much what you say, as how you say it.

Being eloquent while being snarky doesn't take the edge off, it makes it sharper. Criticism should be constructive.

I first looked into MAAST many years ago. Threads like this made me keep my distance. Everything typed here is saved for future hobbyists to come by in a search, and wonder why there was so much vehemence.


Bill, you mentioned "to one of the guys" that there was a problem. Did you mention it to management? Ultimately that is where the responsibility lies. Poor staff behavior and husbandry can boil down to training and supervision. Pointing out faults on your way out the door won't be constructive unless it falls on the appropriate ears.

[jrnannery]

Lets try to keep this thread on subject please, without pointing fingers/ calling people out/ questioning sponsor/ etc.

I agree with Stephen, unless by, '...questioning sponsor/ etc.' he means that the discussion should be curtailed. In fact, from the homepage of the MAAST website, may I direct your attention to statement of purpose, number four:


Welcome To MAAST
Our Purpose:

1. Encourage the growth of the marine aquarium hobby in South Texas
2. Educate and inform members and the public about care, keeping and propagation of marine invertebrates and fish
3. Prevent abuse to marine animals in general, and to conserve the marine environment by promoting intelligent, planned reef management systems

4. Promote higher standards of health and care provided by local commercial outlets

5. Organize workshops, seminars and discussions related to all aspects of the hobby
6. Raise and generate funds and create financial resources to meet these goals; and
7. Coordinate with and support similar societies devoted to like-minded interests.


If a little critique of an UNNAMED LFS causes other LFSs to take a look at their operations, that really is a good thing that benefits MAAST, it's members, and the sponsors, and even non-sponsor LFSs, too. I don't think anyone meant any harm, here.

[jrnannery]

It's not so much what you say, as how you say it.

Being eloquent while being snarky doesn't take the edge off, it makes it sharper. Criticism should be constructive.

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”
- Winston Churchill

“He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.”
- Abraham Lincoln

“...we have to be able to criticize what we love, to say what we have to say 'cause if you're not trying to make something better, then as far as I can tell, you are just in the way.”
- Ani Difranco

Perhaps most relevent:

“We need very strong ears to hear ourselves judged frankly, and because there are few who can endure frank criticism without being stung by it, those who venture to criticize us perform a remarkable act of friendship, for to undertake to wound or offend a man for his own good is to have a healthy love for him.”
- Michel de Montaigne

[tebstan]

You're inciting drama.

I know you. Would you speak this way to my face? I've never known you to be like this. I'm shocked that I'm the cool headed one between us.


If you insist on being contrary, at least get back on topic. I would like to know if Bill brought his concerns to management at the unnamed LFS. And if he did, a return visit in a few days or a week might be interesting and eye opening.

[jrnannery]

You're inciting drama.

I know you. Would you speak this way to my face? I've never known you to be like this. I'm shocked that I'm the cool headed one between us.


If you insist on being contrary, at least get back on topic. I would like to know if Bill brought his concerns to management at the unnamed LFS. And if he did, a return visit in a few days or a week might be interesting and eye opening.

Look, this is unnecessarily turning into a personal attack. The whole point of this thread IS a criticism of the conduct of the store's operation and methods at the time Bill saw it. Bill. Not me. I don't know how I got to be the center of this. THAT is the off-topic part.

I'm not a dramatic person. I'm straight from the hip, and ALWAYS have been. So, if the guy says the store looked bad, and I agree with him, I'm wrong? What about the other folks here that agree with Bill, but HAVEN'T been singled out. Also, I have yet to mention a store by name, and even the store that I ALLUDED to has some of my money, so none of this was to begrudge anyone. Once they get their tanks back in order, I will be back. No sweat.

Yes, I would absolutely tell you, to your face, if something was wrong. Especially if there was a way for me to help you fix it. There's nothing wrong with that. And I have reread this thread three times, and find NOTHING in my posts that should have you this excited, or that I should have to defend. I only continue to post because it is obvious that I am being singled out. Not drama, just fact.

It's obvious that you are sensitive to this issue, either because of your line of work in general, or specifically because you care for the store in question. That's fine. No problem. Just realize that no one was bad-mouthing anyone. Especially not me!

I do not -- and likely no one else does either -- know anyone personally who has a published quote. That does not, however,invalidate their words, as long as they fit the context.

[brewercm]

jrnannery,
I only mentioned your name because you were "very" specific in your description of the store. As long as I've been in this hobby (going on 25 years now) there is only one store in town that's ever had a HUGE green moray eel. My point was just that now we as a club were starting to implicate a specific store without knowing if that was or was not what the OP was talking about.

[jrnannery]

Hey Brewer, no problem. I just want you to know that I was merely tagging along with my original comment , not trying to say which store it was that Bill had visited. Just sharing a recent coincidental encounter.

[marcusgonzales210]

If it is the place that I think it is then it wasn't always this way. When their original manager was still there the selection was great, animals were healthy, and employees were educated. I'm not taking sides or being biast about this situation it's just my honest opinion.

[clone]

honestly i forgot this place even exsisted

[justahobby]

I'm still waiting for Bill to say "Haha, just kidding.... Red Herring Effect!"

[jrsatx20]

And what place would that be Kevin.


Just messing with u kevin

[Bill S]

OK - I'm hoping to go back in the next few days - and hope to see a difference. Maybe, maybe not. But I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Over the years, I've spent a lot of money in there...

And no, I'm not naming names, nor will I confirm or deny that anyone else has it right or wrong. AGAIN, my purpose was in hopes that the anonymous bad press would give them cause to "look around", and then maybe fix what's just so wrong.

[Europhyllia]

What if they don't read MAAST though?
Maybe you could just ask for the manager the next time you are there and tell him or her directly?

[clone]

Im sure they do, when I worked at a LFS we got bad reviews, people even reviewed us as people. I took it wrong at first, but after that I worked even harder to keep that place in the best shape I could.
I know your messing around Luben. ;))

[ShAgMaN]

I was in the store a month or two ago and overheard a convo between an employee and a customer. He explained how they were in the middle of renovation when the A.C. went out. Because of the numerous small animals in the store and reoccurring issues, a decision was made to replace the expensive A.C. system (instead or repairing) and put the renovation on hold. He assured the customer they were committed to completing the renovation and bringing the store back up to par.

That being said, the place is still a dive and hard to check out. Every 3 or 4+ months I stop by when I'm in the area, but I'm let down every time. I understand low stock and less than stellar environment, but dirty tanks and bad customer service is unacceptable...both of which I've noticed in the last year. Hopefully they'll recover.

[tebstan]

What if they don't read MAAST though?
Maybe you could just ask for the manager the next time you are there and tell him or her directly?


+1

Not all LFS employees/managers/owners read MAAST.

If you want to spur change, take your concerns to the people in charge. Bickering on the sidelines is likely to go unnoticed, or simply ignored.

[ShAgMaN]

+1

Not all LFS employees/managers/owners read MAAST.

If you want to spur change, take your concerns to the people in charge. Bickering on the sidelines is likely to go unnoticed, or simply ignored.

Anytime I've been there it's hard to tell who's in charge. I made a few comments the last couple times I've been there...like "are you guys going out of business" (without trying to be rude), but seriously, you can tell if anyone really cares...and In my opinion, diligence they lack. You never know, but I'm pretty sure they recognize the issues...if not thats sad.

[Bill S]

+1

Not all LFS employees/managers/owners read MAAST.

If you want to spur change, take your concerns to the people in charge. Bickering on the sidelines is likely to go unnoticed, or simply ignored.

Rest assured. It was read. AND there was appreciation that I didn't name names. Time will tell.

[Bill S]

An update on this thread. I stopped by again this week for a quick look. Things are WAY better. I mean night and day. I didn't see 1 dead fish. Tanks were much cleaner, store was WAY cleaner. Livestock seemed a whole lot happier too.

[ShAgMaN]

Good to hear. Funny how this update comes right after another issue occured at a LFS....I pretty much wrote this place off (though not possitive it's the same LFS). Maybe LFS owners are listening and watching more than we think - and MAAST members have the power!

[Bill S]

Yeah, the other thread reminded me I needed to update this.

[Europhyllia]

That's awesome. Glad the fishies are getting better care :)

[Scream311]

Yea popped into one just yesterday don't know if its the same one as Bill is pertaining to but non the less this LFS has switched Managment to a Better Tune. Clean Tanks and New Water Cycling in New Displays and Out with the Old In With the New. Spoke with New Managment and was Assured New Healthy Stock was on the way this week and HUGE Display Tanks to come !.

I told him these are great changes and that I would pass the word.

No names but let's just say that Huge Acrylic Tank in the middle is moving out and 2 Half Circles are coming in

[Reefer4ever]

Thats a whole circle! Maybe they'll go back to back?

[chunkymonkey]

That's great to hear.

[jroescher]

" New Managment " = potential new sponsor!

[Europhyllia]

oh man I love to check out new stuff including reworked fish stores. Too bad we don't know where this (or these?) new gems are...

[jroescher]

oh man I love to check out new stuff including reworked fish stores. Too bad we don't know where this (or these?) new gems are...

Yeah, it seems our 'friends' aren't going to let us in on the new stuff. Next time I see one I'll send you an email so we can keep it private! :)