I went to a pet store today to look at some saltwater fish. The tanks had so much alge in them you could not..

Question

see inside to look at the fish I feel so sorry for them. Who should I report to? To have the owner investigated?

Answer 1

Was the problem algae (green) or cyanobacteria (reddish purple or bright blue-green and growing on the glass) - see photo: http://www.sloreef.com/bojan/Cyanobacteria_files/Cyanobacteria1.jpg , http://www.aquamax.de/Shop/Artikelbilder/Zusatzbilder/Algen%20im%20Aquarium_Blaualgen%20-%20Cyanobacteria_STUG_cyano1.jpg

I've worked in pet/fish stores and know several others who do as well. The only way the tanks can be kept clean is to have someone clean them a few times each week. Unfortunately too many managers don't see animal care as a necessity. Having employees do this cleaning means they aren't stocking shelves or working the cash register, so it doesn't make the store money (to the bottom-line veiwpoint). Never mind that animal care minded folks wouldn't buy their fish - someone else will. The sad fact is that most of a store's revenue comes fom dry goods, not livestock, so the animals get the worst of the deal - especially true for "chain" pet stores.

You can try to speak to the manager or store owner. You can also try a local animal welfare office (ASPCA). Where you might find the most effect is by reporting to the USDA Animal Welfare Inspection Office, but unfortunately, animal welfare laws don't protect most of the animals currently offered for sale (ever wonder why most stores stopped carrying dogs and cats?). Not shopping at that store and spreading the word to people you know and asking them not to shop there may have some effect. But not everyone is willing to do this (or willing to drive a distace to another store).

See for more info on state and federal laws:
http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ddusretailpetstores.htm

Answer 2

There are different kinds of algae, good and bad. Not seeing the tank, I really don't know which one it is. Most of the time algae growth means that their water is really healthy, it indicates that the water is at the right condition to sustain life. Algae also gets rid of certain pollutants in the water. The only drawback of algae is that it is annoying for people who are trying to see in the tank. The only thing I see may be wrong is that perhaps someone should scrape the front glass of the tanks so you could see in or maybe add some algae eating fish to the tanks if they get along with the other fish.

It's hard to say since I don't know anything else about the store. Look for other bad signs like, dead fish floating in the tanks, or other animals in the store that look ill or do not have any food or water. I would not report them on just algae.

Answer 3

ALL, I'll repeat that part... ALL aquariums have algae- period. Some is intentional, some not.

I have never been in a store where the algae is so over grown in the tanks that you could not see into the tank (unless this is algae for sale, like for use in a refugium...).

This, to me (and based off your description), could indicate poor husbandry techniques on the part of the store owner/ manager, and may be a sign of how they care for there animals- notice the use of the words "could" and "may".

It is hard to say what you are looking at based off a text description- I wish you had photos! If I was you, I'd buy somewhere else, but continue to check in and see if conditions improve... Ask an employee if this is normal- and why to see if they give you a line of B.S... Then look into action once you are sure you are seeing what you think you are...

Answer 4

I agree with Javo but the owner should at least clean the FRONT glass to let the customers see what there buying.
I only clean the Front glass on my REEF tanks, This allows more food for a lot of critters (seen and unseen) in the tank .
I also have 2 Manderin Dragonets (fish) that ONLY eat pods and would starve if I squished them all.

Answer 5

check your ammonia level it should be zero and make sure not to leave uneatin food floating in the tank. An if your still having alge problems get a pleco it will eat the alge.

Answer 6

Dirty homes do not make unhappy fish. In fact the fact that you cant see them probly helps the fish feel less stressed. The only person there hurting is themselves by not being able to sell. The things that are toxic to fish are normally invisible to us, nitrites nitrates ammonia. Also if thats grounds for cruelty anyone thats ever cycled a tank is in for it. My poor guys got rocked...

Answer 7

The algae means that the tank is healthy and the water is okay. Generally fish stores may let algae grow to feed fish and animals that eat it. like salt water snail, tangs etc.

Before overreacting educate yourself.

Answer 8

bad fish store don't buy anything from them

Answer 9

That's terrible.
Talk to the boss or manager at the store and complain!!!! That's absolutely animal abuse!

Answer 10

omg, really? thats so mean! you should talk to the owner about it, thats so sad . poor fish