I wasn't trying to blame the "evil fish stores" on this particular situation, and it's definitely true that Maxima Power overstocked his tank without really having his environment together. But, I definitely stand by my characterization of San Antonio's popular fish stores routinely selling fish that transmit disease; I've seen it and, unfortunately, experienced it. Also, I agree that even with the best of care, parasites are difficult to control in a reef system.

Sorry if my post seemed a bit negative. I do feel strongly, though, that the current comercial industry of importing reef fish, many of which die in transit, sale, or shortly thereafter, should be improved, or better yet, replaced by widescale tank raised/reared fish. It's better for us as aquarists, better for the reef environments, and helps to put the emphasis in our hobby on husbandry. Look what's happened in a short time with the coral industry; there are so many coral propogation businesses that it's really quite easy to have a well stocked tank with only tank raised corals. I think a similar trend could and should happen with fishes.

Sorry for hijacking the thread.....
Matt