Loading ...I think it’s time we break up for good. It’s not you, it’s me. And by that I mean it’s you.
There’s been an inequality in the power in our relationship for a while now. It’s because you’re the closest aquarium store within 40 minutes of me. I hate going into your store, but sometimes you have something I just need. Sometimes you have great deals on fish. Sometimes I find an awesome SPS coral for cheap.
But, that’s the good stuff. The majority of the time you’re over priced and I have serious buyer’s regret after taking anything home from your tanks. For instance, you keep your salinity on your fish tanks extremely low (I’ve tested at 1.019, but I’ve heard as low as 1.012). That just makes the acclimitization process that more difficult for my new charge. Your fish are usually bony and underfed. It makes me feel more like I’m rescuing a negelected fish at my local pound than purchasing a healthy fish.
Then, there’s this:
Seriously? You need to put that many tangs into a 3′ tank? Shame on you.
Also, why do you have a mandarin in a tank with zero live rock? You shouldn’t be selling animals if you don’t have a clue how to keep them. How will you instruct your customers to keep this mandarin? “Ah, just toss it in a brand new tank. No, live rock is over rated. You don’t need that.” At what point is this animal abuse?
Then, there’s your inverts. Your coral is pathetic. Your anemones are barely alive and over priced. I mean, look at these pictures from last week. You look so happy, but your prices say so much about our relationship.
It’s dead, Jim.
Let’s check your anemone prices. Did I mention all of your anemones are bleached?
That’s not right.
So Big Al’s, that’s why we’re over. I just hope I can stay away from your crazy sales. Especially your Boxing Day specials. Instant Ocean pails for $35? You know how to talk dirty to me.
Love, Me.
In the hobby since 2001, and has seen all kinds of fads come and go. As he gets older, Jeff is developing more and more of a conscience towards environmental concerns, especially towards reefs. Currently, he writes from Ontario, Canada, but would rather be snorkeling on a reef.
I am on a similar boycott, and I worked there for a few months too lol (years ago before I get bashed for giving bad advice), and to be honest, the $35 IO is the only thing barring an emergency that will get me to purchase anything from that sorry excuse for business. It’s good for freshwater (for the most part) but it’s Marine division is …pathetic. In other words: perfect for an unsuspecting newbie!
Despite their horrible live stock, they are still the backbone of the Canadian Aquarium industry. Of course it is often not the most ethnical and honest business that wins in this society.
But without Big Al’s, who is going to buy from me?
Customers can see the clear differences. So thanks BA.
On the observation side, actually some corporate location BA is having a little bit better stock these days, not outstanding but improved a bit.
Hubert