"Shawn P. Good" wrote in message et...
Hello :

I recently lost a complete 55gal aquarium of Malawi cichlids and now I'm
thinking of switching over to a planted community tank for a while. Due to
a recent disagreement with the owner of the local pet shop, I'm no longer
patronizing his store and so I'm looking for another place to buy my new
fish and plants. I live in a small town, but there is a larger town about
an hour away with a PetSmart. I don't want to make the trip, however, if
they're prices are high, or they don't have a good selection of fish, or the
fish are not healthy.

Has anyone had any experiences with this chain and can offer me advice ?

Thanks - Shawn


I know I'm not answering your question directly, but I'd like to share
an experience of mine.

I live in Toronto, Canada - and unfortunately, the closest petshop in
my area is "PJ's Petcentre" in Yorkdale Mall. Yorkdale is one of the
fancier malls in Toronto.

I have to say the the level of service and understanding in that place
is absolutely HORRIFYING.

I only buy inanimate products there now because I simply don't trust
the staff, and the tanks I have seen lack a basic level of health for
a comfortable purchase.

Whenever I ask a question, I get a look of fear like a deer in
headlights, a brisk walk to the manager who also gets a similar look,
and a best guess answer. Some reps don't even know where products can
be found on the shelves!

There is nothing I admire more than a salesperson who is confident and
sure enough in himself to say the words "I don't know - I don't feel
comfortable advising you on this."

My fiancee and I feel guilty whenever we make a purchase there.

Now, I'm not sure about Petsmart. I went there with my Fiancee as
well, and we did not have the opportunity to test their knowledge.

However, I did witness a salesperson successfuly selling a Betta in a
tiny Betta Bowl to a father trying to please his children. My fiancee
stopped me from saying something in the interests of social grace.

Their fish selection was pretty good for a franchise, but I would go
by what you see in the tank versus the health claim by the
salesperson.

A benefit worth noting is the larger franchises tend to offer a
livestock warranty of a week or two.

Good luck,

Neil