fish_in_bowl
Searching for the best solution to you tropical fish needs?? The first choice for some might be one of the “big box stores” such as PetSmart or Petco. The choice for others might be Walmart. While these may be the solution for some they wouldn’t be MY solution. In fact, my solution wouldn’t be a pet shop, let alone, a department store. I’d want a tropical fish specialty store. I’m not trying to trash pet shops or even the big guys. I can remember finding exceptional quality fish and fish products in the Sear’s Garden Department in El Cajon, California. Times change. In my experience it’s hard to be really good at everything. Even veterinarians have specialties.

Before I go over the edge let’s back up.

When you’re looking for any store to visit YOU choose the criteria, size and the location. Obviously, if you’re looking for a “point-and-shoot” camera and it’s 3:00AM you’re pretty much limited to Walmart, Walgreen’s or CVS even here in Houston. I’m not talking about last minute shopping or even just cruising the aisles looking for stuff. I’m thinking of a place that carries a reliable selection of quality products, healthy livestock, AND has at least one member of their staff you can talk to, ask questions of, or if you’re inclined to… possibly flirt with. Here’s how to find that shop.

Check the yellow pages of your phone book for possibilities under aquariums, pets, and tropical fish. A point of interest… Houston’s yellow pages are among the most expensive in the country. Many businesses are out of business before the current book comes out. The surviving stores pay for ALL of the ads. Not just their own. So, some pet shops and/or tropical fish stores aren’t even listed. It’s too expensive. Computer savvy? Try a Google/Yahoo search or Digital City Houston. While you’re looking… if you’re also interested in saltwater/marine make sure the stores on your list carry those too. I’d suggest making a list of questions, not many, only about 5 or 6. The plan is to visit several places asking the same questions. If they’re written down you won’t forget any AND they’ll each have equal opportunities to respond. If you’re bound and determined to include pet shops as shopping spots this is one way to weed out some of the bad ones. ( I’ve been visiting stores for years. If I’m greeted at the door by the smell of rabbits, hamsters, mice, rats, other cages OR similar unpleasant things, I simply close the door and get back in my car and move on. I promise, there will be other places to shop.)

My list suggestions:

1. I live in a/an _____ (apartment, condo, house). Space is/isn’t an issue. Budget is/isn’t, within limits. (If the aquarium is for your business, rather than your home, don’t mention that yet. There’ll be time for that later.) If you’ve never had an aquarium before, say so. If you have experience, relate that.

2. Should we start at aquariums or fish? / What would you recommend?

3. What kind of fish can I keep there? / What size aquarium should I consider?

4. What would be the best ones to start with?

5. Are you the person I should be talking to?

6. Why?

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