The Walmart across the street from my work just remodeled and broke down their old fish system to bring in a brand new one. It's really sad looking, they have pictures of gravel on the bottoms of the tanks instead of real gravel, and all the fish look starved. But they've slowly been getting better over the last year or so, at least now they've got fish separated appropriately and the tanks are much, MUCH cleaner.
And, because I also work at PetSmart, I feel the need to throw my two cents in...
Yes, I will fully admit that PetSmart (at least our store) has a real hard time hiring knowledgeable employees. When I was hired three and a half years ago, I didn't have any pets, didn't know how to care for them other than common sense. I didn't know what fish were compatible, who ate what food, how big they got, nothing. And I was a pretty typical hire for my store. HOWEVER, because I was concerned with the animals under my care, on my breaks I read every book and magazine we carry in the store and in my spare time read up online about every species we carry. I learned about water quality, tank cycling, mating behaviors, the works. I then was able to use what I learned to help customers make the best purchases for their needs. I even had a customer who came in to buy cichlids, saw a juvenile
Cyrtocara moorii in the assorted tank, and was absolutely astonished when I actually knew what he was talking about when he said "I want the hap." (Cichlids are kind of my weakness!)
Sadly, I no longer work in that department and all of my knowledge is being wasted working nights alone. :( Of the six people now taking care of the fish, there are only two that I would trust to have the right answers.
Now, although few people who work with me know what they're talking about, our PetSmart is about a ZILLION times better than the Petco a block away. Their tanks are filthy, there are always dead fish floating around, and everyone seems to have ich. Last time I went in there I couldn't even see into two of the tanks because of the thick brown algae growth, and when I asked the employee to clear it, there were three emaciated ich-infested oscars behind it :( they always have dead bettas on the shelves, and their RES turtles are always bleeding from fighting with each other. It's such a sad store, I can't even go in there anymore.
That being said, I absolutely love love LOVE the small privately run shop down the street from my house. They're the best EVER!!!
Posted via Mobile Device 
Similar Threads 
