$99 PurpleTangs!

[aznflyfisherman]

I bought about half of my fish from petco n half from lfs? I just try to observe the fish as best as i can. And if it looks like they take care of their fish you should be fine buying from petco as long as the look healthy n have no signs of issues. I seen lfs in my area n i would not buy a single fish from them. I got a very nice flame angel from them a few weeks ago n so far its still looks great. The purple tang in my petco area goes for around $200.

[jah hoeva]

They are pretty common at one of my local Petco's, but for $169...

[scooter31707]

I have gotten 2 fish from Petco. For some reason they didn't show the ich like the others, so I took a chance. It was a Bluethroat and a Orchid Dottyback (pretty hardy fish). I ran them through Formalin Bath x2, TTM, 3 rounds of Prazi-Pro, a treatment of CP. I also went 3 weeks than I normally do in the QT for observation. They have been with me every since and they are healthy and beautiful.

[timnem70]

Originally Posted by Sk8r

First of all, be sure you have enough TANK for that fish, or you will be in for an emergency and spendy upgrade.

Sk8r is right. Think that is the overall issue here. Not the quality, not the price, but can you realistically care for and keep a tang. That's the problem I have with Petco. They could care less if you are putting it in a 55 gallon tank as long as you fork over the cash. It's the responsible store owner that will ask."what size reef you have" and Not sell if that's the case. I have a LFS that won't sell without a Pic of your aquarium. That's probably a bit much but... thank you.
I'm out.

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[aznflyfisherman]

I think the best thing to do with petco is request what fish you want them to order n then pick it up while it is still in the bag n take it home, but look over them to make sure it looks fine. Plus your not obligated to take them if you think the fish doesnt look good.

[Ou8me2]

I don't buy fish from Petco but I have been considering it since they hired someone who actually looks like they care about the tanks and livestock. They had 3 purple tangs and all looked fat and healthy in the local Petco and they were probably close to 5 inches in size.

I actually know someone who bought a purple tang there about 6 months ago and it's survived and is very fat and healthy. I think if it's not covered in Ick then you have a fair chance if you QT properly for the fish to survive. I would be curious on what salinity they keep their tanks at though since I'm guessing they run their salinity lower than most reefers do.

[ca1ore]

Originally Posted by Elricsfate

I understand every store is different, so if my comments do not apply to a certain store, that's cool.

The simple fact is that I have a number of high quality saltwater specialty stores within reasonable driving distance. Places that QT, that treat the animals with respect, that ask questions and make recommendations. I prefer to patronize these types of place.

It's just a personal preference.

I have been in my local Petco and seen stressed out fish, suffering from Ich, in crowded tanks, some with dead fish in them...and I just don't feel good about putting my money there.

Can I buy a fish from Petco, QT it, treat it, make it healthy again, etc... Sure, probably. But as often as I read posts about how when we buy fish that should be left in the ocean we tell the retailer that there is a demand for that fish and go get more...I feel like when I buy from Petco I am telling them that I am cool with the deplorable conditions and to keep up the good work.

I just choose not to do that.

That's a perfectly reasonable position to take, I applaud you. Amusingly, while I would buy a fish at Petco I never actually have simply because mine never have anything interesting. I only buy crickets

[tkiry1]

Originally Posted by diana aliprandi

I was at Petco last week picking up crickets for my son. Cricket bucket was right next to the saltwater tanks. I saw two purple tangs for $99 each...both had ick. We have a place called ACC Aquarium Care Center who usually sells them for $120

Great place!!! ACC!!!


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[pfan151]

NYaquatics has small ones for 69.95 right now. I have one headed my way now.

[RedStangGA]

Originally Posted by Sk8r

First of all, be sure you have enough TANK for that fish, or you will be in for an emergency and spendy upgrade.

Exactly. My 220 is close to running, but not close enough to put it in a 60 cube in the mean time.