February 21, 2016

Cause for hope from the LFS

Doesn't it seem like the venerable local fish store gets maligned just too much these days?

I think it does.

I mean, we've touched on this before her in The Tint, but the LFS is just a target for a lot of hobbyist hate, much of it unfounded, IMHO. Like, "it's all about making money. Nothing more"

I hate hearing that.

Sure, there are plenty of really shortsighted LFS personnel and owners, but the same could be said for online vendors as well. There are tons of unprofessional, brash, and downright incompetent online vendors as well. However, its much easier to bash the LFS for some reason...

I was in my local shop yesterday. I haunt this place weekly, as I know when the shipments come in and I'm always on the prowl for new stuff! There I was, admiring some Licorice Gouramis(!), when I overheard a conversation between an employee and another customer. The customer wanted to know if he could put a 60 gallon tank on a table he had.

Rather than just say, "sure", or even be dismissive, the LFS employee did what any competent, intelligent aquarium person would: He asked a lot of questions. Explained that water weighs 8 lbs per gallon, and that support is needed in multiple locations on a table which is intended to hold an aquarium, etc., etc.

And this isn't all that unusual. There are plenty of amazing people everywhere at the LFS. We just somehow have to get our heads out of the dangerous "groupthink" that says "All fish stores are filed with ignorant, misinformed personnel..."

An unfair, antiquated notion, to say the least. Let's ditch it, ok?

I had a great LFS experience just listening in.

I felt like I was getting a great education. It goes to show you that the right people make the difference. Everywhere.

Very simple thought for today...Back at it tomorrow!

Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics