Seahorse
Fishaholic
I know you guys hear these stories a lot, but I want to contribute since I rarely go to town as it is an hour away.
First I went to Walmart, I don't get there often.
The fishtanks were pretty much empty save for 2 sick cichlids, with a lot of old food at the bottom. They DO have a filteration system right? No reason for them to be so filthy (they used to be much cleaner!
)
The bettas were a very sad sight for me. They shoved about 12 half filled cups two shelves up from the floor, so I had to squat down to even get a look at them. At first I didn't think they had any because they are so hidden! Poor things have been in darkness for who knows how long.
They had a couple of very young cream/light brown girls, adorable really and I can see that if they had a chance they would get some beautiful colors. They were near death though, and I don't know if I could have done anything for them (to be honest, I was tempted to poor them into a clean drinking cup I brought though, like another member did...). The boys were in various states of health, many had odd finnage and strange swimming behaviors. Some didn't move at all, even when I tried to make them.
They obviously have a few young siblings in, there were 3-4 boys who were mostly white, with completely clear fins (what is that called? cellophane?) Two looked ill in some manner, hard to tell with the lack of light, one had a torn fin and was peppered with black spots, and the other was in a cup that was so filled with poo, everytime he went for air he probably got some in his mouth. His cup was the worst I had ever seen.
So I went and got an employee.
Me: "How long have these bettas been in?"
Him: "Uhh, over a week I think..."
Me: "How often do you change their water?"
Him: "Well they're okay right now but I'm sure we will do it soon.."
Me: "Can I take a few sick ones for free, or for a discount? It is me buying the medicine after all."
Him: "Sorry ma'am, I can't do that..."
Me: "I am coming back tomorrow, and I am going to see how their cups look, and if they are still filthy, I am complaining to your boss."
I think I scared him. I am not actually going back tomorrow, but hopefully that kicks their butts into gear!
ALSO get this crap. They have a little rack next to the empty goldfish tanks, where they put little cups with snails and whatnot. There I see three beautiful, pristine, fully filled cups with a betta in each. I looked closer... hmm... crowntails! This made me FUME! The veiltails get stuck on a shelf at the bottom, forgotton, and these guys get special treatment all because of their tail! Walmart sure knows how to work it!
I ended up picking the little one in the debris filled cup. He looked like the one that had the most chance. It was really hard for me, but I am glad I helped at least one. He is absolutely gorgeous, and so clean looking. And he is now swimming happily in a 5 gallon tank, which I think is a serious upgrade! I've never had a betta take so well so quickly, he is already blowing bubbles within 15 minutes of being released!
To make a long story longer, I also stopped by the LFS. They had three bettas, all were the purple/teal veil tails, clean bowls at least, but clamped fins. I guess it is an improvement.
After I acclimate the 12 girls Yeevia is sending me, I am going to try and get some pictures of everyone and their tanks. The sand is goooorgeous! Never again will I go gravel!
First I went to Walmart, I don't get there often.
The fishtanks were pretty much empty save for 2 sick cichlids, with a lot of old food at the bottom. They DO have a filteration system right? No reason for them to be so filthy (they used to be much cleaner!
)The bettas were a very sad sight for me. They shoved about 12 half filled cups two shelves up from the floor, so I had to squat down to even get a look at them. At first I didn't think they had any because they are so hidden! Poor things have been in darkness for who knows how long.
They had a couple of very young cream/light brown girls, adorable really and I can see that if they had a chance they would get some beautiful colors. They were near death though, and I don't know if I could have done anything for them (to be honest, I was tempted to poor them into a clean drinking cup I brought though, like another member did...). The boys were in various states of health, many had odd finnage and strange swimming behaviors. Some didn't move at all, even when I tried to make them.
They obviously have a few young siblings in, there were 3-4 boys who were mostly white, with completely clear fins (what is that called? cellophane?) Two looked ill in some manner, hard to tell with the lack of light, one had a torn fin and was peppered with black spots, and the other was in a cup that was so filled with poo, everytime he went for air he probably got some in his mouth. His cup was the worst I had ever seen.
So I went and got an employee.
Me: "How long have these bettas been in?"
Him: "Uhh, over a week I think..."
Me: "How often do you change their water?"
Him: "Well they're okay right now but I'm sure we will do it soon.."
Me: "Can I take a few sick ones for free, or for a discount? It is me buying the medicine after all."
Him: "Sorry ma'am, I can't do that..."
Me: "I am coming back tomorrow, and I am going to see how their cups look, and if they are still filthy, I am complaining to your boss."
I think I scared him. I am not actually going back tomorrow, but hopefully that kicks their butts into gear!
ALSO get this crap. They have a little rack next to the empty goldfish tanks, where they put little cups with snails and whatnot. There I see three beautiful, pristine, fully filled cups with a betta in each. I looked closer... hmm... crowntails! This made me FUME! The veiltails get stuck on a shelf at the bottom, forgotton, and these guys get special treatment all because of their tail! Walmart sure knows how to work it!
I ended up picking the little one in the debris filled cup. He looked like the one that had the most chance. It was really hard for me, but I am glad I helped at least one. He is absolutely gorgeous, and so clean looking. And he is now swimming happily in a 5 gallon tank, which I think is a serious upgrade! I've never had a betta take so well so quickly, he is already blowing bubbles within 15 minutes of being released!
To make a long story longer, I also stopped by the LFS. They had three bettas, all were the purple/teal veil tails, clean bowls at least, but clamped fins. I guess it is an improvement.
After I acclimate the 12 girls Yeevia is sending me, I am going to try and get some pictures of everyone and their tanks. The sand is goooorgeous! Never again will I go gravel!
If any of you reading this are ppl that call these places, please please please do it! I've tried everything possible!! my efforts are endless, with no production coming out of it!
/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=93379
Let me know if you get ahold of Waverly!
