LFS, Good Advice or Scare Tactic?

Crawfishy · 11/04/2009, 12:15 PM

I just got in some LR, with lots of stuff on it, that I bought online. I called the LFS to find out if some equipment was in stock. We got to talking about the LR.

He told me that as a newbie I was in trouble buying LR from the Drs. because there is too much life on it. He said I was in for a world of trouble, and they couldn't help me with the problems that would come up. He said to just get ready for a lot of problems.

Is this true or just angry scare tactics. Should I try to sell this on Craigslist and buy the bleached and then cycled LR from them?

eric@tampa · 11/04/2009, 12:27 PM

Sounds "fishy' to me

sjames · 11/04/2009, 12:28 PM

well, you can get in trouble with any live rock with unwanted hitchhikers.

I had a mantis shrimp and cirolanids and aipistia as unwanted guests.

But I cant imagine a reef system that isn't at least seeded with some live rock.

ininerider · 11/04/2009, 12:31 PM

Sounds to me like your LFS dude got a bit miffed for your online purchase. Is the LR cured? If not make sure you cure the rock prior to adding to your tank. The curing process is simple. Does the rock smell bad? You should expect some of the growth to die off but this should not be any big deal. Make sure your skimmer is working properly. How much rock do you have in your tank now? What size is your tank?

MCCOOL · 11/04/2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjames

well, you can get in trouble with any live rock with unwanted hitchhikers.

I had a mantis shrimp and cirolanids and aipistia as unwanted guests.

But I cant imagine a reef system that isn't at least seeded with some live rock.

+1 but you'd probably encounter the same problems with rock from the LFS.

Sounds like they were ****y because you didn't buy the rock from them. I'd find myself a new LFS

davocean · 11/04/2009, 12:34 PM

Alot of LFS really HATE online purchases and club trading, and feel it hurts their business, and therefore can't wait to point out probs w/ these purchases.
The only isssue I see is die off during shipping, so you have to plan to cycle this rock on delivery depending on how long it went dry.
As for hitchers, both good and bad will come from online or their LFS.
Nowadays when I go to LFS, I rarely talk about club or online activity, cause all they see is a lost sale, and this is rarely met positively.
I would just cycle this rock out of display until there is for sure no amo or nitrites showing, or if in display already, don't add life till all is cool.

pisces4u · 11/04/2009, 12:44 PM

I agree with davocean.

We have 5 LFS that deal in saltwater and reefing livestock. I also do nearly 100% of my dry good purchasing online as none of them carry high end bulbs and supplements.

I've found it best to not discuss shopping at other competitors or online. Some owners get downright hostile and some play it off but you can tell they're unhappy.

I've never seen live rock with "too much life". The most life I've seen on rock was from Tampa Bay and was loaded with sponges, crabs, and other hikers. Everyone is going to deal with glass anemones at some point as well as nuisance macro algae. Crabs and mantis shrimp and other hostiles can be dealt with before you start adding livestock. There are dozens of people on every forum that have ordered rock from the Doctors without major issues...

HomeSlizzice · 11/04/2009, 12:58 PM

Sounds like they are ****ed off that they didn't get your money. Use your Dr. Foster and Smith rock.

Amoore311 · 11/04/2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homeslizzice

sounds like they are ****ed off that they didn't get your money. Use your dr. Foster and smith rock.

+1

luther1200 · 11/04/2009, 03:17 PM

I had a very similar situation a few years ago when I set up my 65. I bought 80# or so On-line. And got to talking with them, and they were like Oh-no, you are going to have Mantis shrimp and this and that. You should have come here. I didn't have any problems with the rock I got on-line. As a matter of fact the only problem I ever really had was a nuisance crab that came in on a piece of LR from the LFS. So go figure.

snorvich · 11/04/2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amoore311

+1

+2

SaltieG · 11/04/2009, 03:31 PM

I agree, just sounds like the LFS wasn't happy you didn't buy the LR from them. I sort of felt bad for not buying LR from my LFS because they are nice knowledgeable people but I can't justify paying $7 per pound from them when I can get it at less then $3 per pound online, even with shipping included.

davocean · 11/04/2009, 04:04 PM

You know, I know we need LFS for some things, so I make a point to buy stuff that is at least close to same cost as online, or perishable items, frozen foods etc.
I also prefer to examine fish before buying, so LFS gets my $$ there.
As for LR, I've been sent some lame base before, so I do prefer to cherry pick good stuff from LFS, and rush it home to keep die off to a min.
A smart LFS will actually use our sites to their benefit, and we have a couple that do this wisely.

_88 · 11/04/2009, 04:12 PM

It sounds like they did you a favor and let you know that you shouldn't do business with them. Owning a business is tough and I am sympathetic to the small business man (or woman) but deceiving your customers is a poor way to earn their business.

robow · 11/04/2009, 04:26 PM

My LFS told me it wasn't safe to get anything off the web. Said I would spend more time with dead animals than anything else. I am glad he gave me that warning I haven't gone back since.

Pacific Reefs · 11/04/2009, 04:35 PM

If you are worried about Mantis shrimp you could try a fresh water dip.

uncleof6 · 11/04/2009, 05:35 PM

Ask the LFS what they think of Dale Barger's live rock, or Tampa Bay Saltwaters cultured live rock. Personally, I would not bother asking, I would just walk away.

Jim

bobparker · 11/04/2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davocean

You know, I know we need LFS for some things, so I make a point to buy stuff that is at least close to same cost as online, or perishable items, frozen foods etc.
I also prefer to examine fish before buying, so LFS gets my $$ there.
As for LR, I've been sent some lame base before, so I do prefer to cherry pick good stuff from LFS, and rush it home to keep die off to a min.
A smart LFS will actually use our sites to their benefit, and we have a couple that do this wisely.

This definitely the right approach. Stimulating the LFS' economy as well as online vendors only ensures quality. I always make it a point to make suggestions to the LFS in ways to create sales.
The economy is hurting small business', the guy is probably struggling even to stock his tanks.

Crawfishy · 11/04/2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luther1200

I had a very similar situation a few years ago when I set up my 65. I bought 80# or so On-line. And got to talking with them, and they were like Oh-no, you are going to have Mantis shrimp and this and that. You should have come here. I didn't have any problems with the rock I got on-line. As a matter of fact the only problem I ever really had was a nuisance crab that came in on a piece of LR from the LFS. So go figure.

in an ironic way.

Crawfishy · 11/04/2009, 06:01 PM

Thanks everyone for your help!

I called the LFS back and asked him the price of LR at his store. He told me to bring in my Drs. LR and he'd look at it to see it it's any good if I promised to not ever buy anything else online, because he would go out of business. I had to get a test kit anyway so I took it. He told me that the reason they didn't order a skimmer for my 28g nano was because I didn't need one for such a small tank, that online was just after my money for selling me one. He was at lunch when I got there. The younger clerk said the owner was old school and the rock looked okay, just to keep any eye on it.

Funny thing is, I didn't tell the oewner voluntarily I bought LR online. I mentioned I had some and after that sentence, he asked where I bought it. I told him, and I told him I'd bought some from him too.

I asked for some items that weren't I stock and how to order specific fish from them. They said yet again, like on a previous visit, just check in, you don't really need to order anything. Well, that why I bought stuff online in the first place. I don't live anywhere near the LFS. It's really an unLFS for me. They'll have to be willing to hold or order items for me to make it worth my time and gasoline.

Crawfishy · 11/04/2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobparker

This definitely the right approach. Stimulating the LFS' economy as well as online vendors only ensures quality. I always make it a point to make suggestions to the LFS in ways to create sales.
The economy is hurting small business', the guy is probably struggling even to stock his tanks.

If only they kept stuff in stock or at least be willing to let me know when something comes in. "That item sales quickly," just isn't that helpful to me. If they would order stuff, I'd pay for it, but they don't seem eager to do that either. I guess he wants folks to just drop in and buy something but the distance for me isn't conducive for that.

luther1200 · 11/04/2009, 06:18 PM

I would absolutely keep the rock you have, and just thank the LFS owner for his concern. No way would I bring it in for him to lok at. He will probably try to take the nice pieces yopu have and give you worse pieces. Maybe not but I'm sure the stuff you got is OK. If you want to post some pics of the LR we can give our opinions.

Metal Man 1221 · 11/04/2009, 06:59 PM

yea i wouldnt trust them, you usually get better rock online any way, alot of hitch hickers come out of the rock at the LFS and stay in their curing tank, leaving you with just rock, honestly the rock from my LFS isnt worth my time, theyre really nice helpful people but i would rather buy rock online and pay shipping, like said before you might want to find your self a new LFS

but as long as you cure it you wont have any problems, he just wants your money

good luck

davocean · 11/04/2009, 07:06 PM

Your LFS sounds like one of those semi educated, not so enthusiastic LFS that used to be more common, and quickly drop.
First, a skimmer is a real nice thing to have, no matter what tank size, and I'd put one on a 28g no prob.
2nd, all our LFS around here will special order and take phone #'s to call when it's in, some may want a deposit, but that's fine w/ me.
If LFS are just lazy, they get what is coming, but from what you've said here, I wouldn't ask for advice from them.

VacavilleFC3S · 11/04/2009, 07:22 PM

I'd go back and give the guy the finger.

he was definitely using a "scare tactic" to keep you from buying online. the quality of rock i've purchased online is 10000% better than anything i've seen thing in any of my LFS rock tanks.

i've had a few stores try stuff like that on me, i usually just walk out

i work at a LFS myself and i still order 90% of my equipment and lifestock online, even with a 20% employee discount

11/04/2009, 12:15 PM	#1
Crawfishy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Deep South, USA Posts: 163	LFS, Good Advice or Scare Tactic? I just got in some LR, with lots of stuff on it, that I bought online. I called the LFS to find out if some equipment was in stock. We got to talking about the LR. He told me that as a newbie I was in trouble buying LR from the Drs. because there is too much life on it. He said I was in for a world of trouble, and they couldn't help me with the problems that would come up. He said to just get ready for a lot of problems. Is this true or just angry scare tactics. Should I try to sell this on Craigslist and buy the bleached and then cycled LR from them?

11/04/2009, 12:34 PM	#6
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Alot of LFS really HATE online purchases and club trading, and feel it hurts their business, and therefore can't wait to point out probs w/ these purchases. The only isssue I see is die off during shipping, so you have to plan to cycle this rock on delivery depending on how long it went dry. As for hitchers, both good and bad will come from online or their LFS. Nowadays when I go to LFS, I rarely talk about club or online activity, cause all they see is a lost sale, and this is rarely met positively. I would just cycle this rock out of display until there is for sure no amo or nitrites showing, or if in display already, don't add life till all is cool. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

11/04/2009, 12:58 PM	#8
HomeSlizzice Angelfish/Wrasse Nut! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 921	Sounds like they are ****ed off that they didn't get your money. Use your Dr. Foster and Smith rock. __________________ Baby, I'm like that item on the top shelf that you just can't reach. Current Tank Info: 24 Gallon Aqaupod, and wanting an upgrade

11/04/2009, 03:17 PM	#10
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	I had a very similar situation a few years ago when I set up my 65. I bought 80# or so On-line. And got to talking with them, and they were like Oh-no, you are going to have Mantis shrimp and this and that. You should have come here. I didn't have any problems with the rock I got on-line. As a matter of fact the only problem I ever really had was a nuisance crab that came in on a piece of LR from the LFS. So go figure. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

11/04/2009, 03:31 PM	#12
SaltieG Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Mentor on the Lake, Ohio Posts: 745	I agree, just sounds like the LFS wasn't happy you didn't buy the LR from them. I sort of felt bad for not buying LR from my LFS because they are nice knowledgeable people but I can't justify paying $7 per pound from them when I can get it at less then $3 per pound online, even with shipping included. __________________ 125 Reef.

11/04/2009, 12:27 PM	#2
eric@tampa Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tampa,Fla Posts: 322	Sounds "fishy' to me

11/04/2009, 12:28 PM	#3
sjames Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PA Posts: 675	well, you can get in trouble with any live rock with unwanted hitchhikers. I had a mantis shrimp and cirolanids and aipistia as unwanted guests. But I cant imagine a reef system that isn't at least seeded with some live rock.

11/04/2009, 12:31 PM	#4
ininerider Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Banner Elk NC Posts: 24	Sounds to me like your LFS dude got a bit miffed for your online purchase. Is the LR cured? If not make sure you cure the rock prior to adding to your tank. The curing process is simple. Does the rock smell bad? You should expect some of the growth to die off but this should not be any big deal. Make sure your skimmer is working properly. How much rock do you have in your tank now? What size is your tank?

11/04/2009, 12:44 PM	#7
pisces4u Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: rochester, NY Posts: 433	I agree with davocean. We have 5 LFS that deal in saltwater and reefing livestock. I also do nearly 100% of my dry good purchasing online as none of them carry high end bulbs and supplements. I've found it best to not discuss shopping at other competitors or online. Some owners get downright hostile and some play it off but you can tell they're unhappy. I've never seen live rock with "too much life". The most life I've seen on rock was from Tampa Bay and was loaded with sponges, crabs, and other hikers. Everyone is going to deal with glass anemones at some point as well as nuisance macro algae. Crabs and mantis shrimp and other hostiles can be dealt with before you start adding livestock. There are dozens of people on every forum that have ordered rock from the Doctors without major issues...

11/04/2009, 04:04 PM	#13
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	You know, I know we need LFS for some things, so I make a point to buy stuff that is at least close to same cost as online, or perishable items, frozen foods etc. I also prefer to examine fish before buying, so LFS gets my $$ there. As for LR, I've been sent some lame base before, so I do prefer to cherry pick good stuff from LFS, and rush it home to keep die off to a min. A smart LFS will actually use our sites to their benefit, and we have a couple that do this wisely. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

11/04/2009, 04:12 PM	#14
_88 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 107	It sounds like they did you a favor and let you know that you shouldn't do business with them. Owning a business is tough and I am sympathetic to the small business man (or woman) but deceiving your customers is a poor way to earn their business.

11/04/2009, 04:26 PM	#15
robow Ninja Robot Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 301	My LFS told me it wasn't safe to get anything off the web. Said I would spend more time with dead animals than anything else. I am glad he gave me that warning I haven't gone back since. __________________ I have no idea what is going on Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon mixed reef 24 gallon sump 20 gallon fuge eshopps pks150 skimmer

11/04/2009, 04:35 PM	#16
Pacific Reefs Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,768	If you are worried about Mantis shrimp you could try a fresh water dip.

11/04/2009, 05:35 PM	#17
uncleof6 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: AWOL Posts: 12,013	Ask the LFS what they think of Dale Barger's live rock, or Tampa Bay Saltwaters cultured live rock. Personally, I would not bother asking, I would just walk away. Jim __________________ "Things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." (oft attributed to Einstein; most likely paraphrasing by Roger Sessions; compactly articulates the principle of Occam's Razor) Current Tank Info: 325 6' wide Reef

11/04/2009, 06:01 PM	#20
Crawfishy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Deep South, USA Posts: 163	Thanks everyone for your help! I called the LFS back and asked him the price of LR at his store. He told me to bring in my Drs. LR and he'd look at it to see it it's any good if I promised to not ever buy anything else online, because he would go out of business. I had to get a test kit anyway so I took it. He told me that the reason they didn't order a skimmer for my 28g nano was because I didn't need one for such a small tank, that online was just after my money for selling me one. He was at lunch when I got there. The younger clerk said the owner was old school and the rock looked okay, just to keep any eye on it. Funny thing is, I didn't tell the oewner voluntarily I bought LR online. I mentioned I had some and after that sentence, he asked where I bought it. I told him, and I told him I'd bought some from him too. I asked for some items that weren't I stock and how to order specific fish from them. They said yet again, like on a previous visit, just check in, you don't really need to order anything. Well, that why I bought stuff online in the first place. I don't live anywhere near the LFS. It's really an unLFS for me. They'll have to be willing to hold or order items for me to make it worth my time and gasoline.

11/04/2009, 06:18 PM	#22
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	I would absolutely keep the rock you have, and just thank the LFS owner for his concern. No way would I bring it in for him to lok at. He will probably try to take the nice pieces yopu have and give you worse pieces. Maybe not but I'm sure the stuff you got is OK. If you want to post some pics of the LR we can give our opinions. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

11/04/2009, 06:59 PM	#23
Metal Man 1221 FMMAS Executive Director Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Fargo ND Posts: 1,504	yea i wouldnt trust them, you usually get better rock online any way, alot of hitch hickers come out of the rock at the LFS and stay in their curing tank, leaving you with just rock, honestly the rock from my LFS isnt worth my time, theyre really nice helpful people but i would rather buy rock online and pay shipping, like said before you might want to find your self a new LFS but as long as you cure it you wont have any problems, he just wants your money good luck __________________ "My advise is, always look at their aquarium before you take their advise. Because alot of people give advise and they havnt got a clue" ~David Saxby~ "Only after the last tree's cut and the last river poisoned only after the last fish is caught will you find that money cannot be eaten" ~Lamb of God~ Current Tank Info: 125g DT, 45g sump ---- 57g Illuminata, custom sump

11/04/2009, 07:06 PM	#24
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Your LFS sounds like one of those semi educated, not so enthusiastic LFS that used to be more common, and quickly drop. First, a skimmer is a real nice thing to have, no matter what tank size, and I'd put one on a 28g no prob. 2nd, all our LFS around here will special order and take phone #'s to call when it's in, some may want a deposit, but that's fine w/ me. If LFS are just lazy, they get what is coming, but from what you've said here, I wouldn't ask for advice from them. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

11/04/2009, 07:22 PM	#25
VacavilleFC3S Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vacaville California Posts: 2,613	I'd go back and give the guy the finger. he was definitely using a "scare tactic" to keep you from buying online. the quality of rock i've purchased online is 10000% better than anything i've seen thing in any of my LFS rock tanks. i've had a few stores try stuff like that on me, i usually just walk out i work at a LFS myself and i still order 90% of my equipment and lifestock online, even with a 20% employee discount