It's a fair statement that your tank is not "your life"... but that does not excuse poor research on your part. Not flaming you, just making an observation. As a LFS owner, I see way too many people who depend exclusively on LFS employee advice. Not every owner is on-site and not every owner is knowledgable or looking out for the long-term success of their patrons. Many don't know what to order (or more precisely, what NOT to order) and a sale is a sale. You wouldn't buy a car or a TV, or a purebred dog without checking into the vendor, the product etc., so livestock shouldn't be any different.
I have sold Tubastrea corals many times, but I don't just "bag it up" for the first person that comes along... I question the person about their tank, explain the demands of the coral and if the person is comfortable with that information, THEN I bag it up. If not, I help them make another selection that fits better with their ability and conditions. These animals deserve the benefit of informed keepers.
As for Cyclopeeze, IMO it is a breakthrough. It's one of the best products I've seen in recent years for fish fry, invertebrates and corals. It's high in protein, high in Omega 3 fatty acids and it's high in astaxanthin, an anti-oxidant. Quite wonderful, IMO, with a wide varitey of uses and applications. The "problem" is that the coral you selected (possibly for its pretty colour) is that the coral needs daily target feeding.
Jenn
I am glad to see that you are honest with your patrons. Had the lfs I went to told me of this "training", I'd have said no thanks. You see Jenn, I have a very busy life- profitable business, family, diving, dogs, etc. the tank is but a part of my life- not all of it. I had done my research-and knew that tubistrea is almost impossible to keep "long term"- the lfs told me that Cyclopeeze was a break- thru, all you had to do was put a pinch in the tank with the rest of the food and it would feed. That is why I held them to what they told me. I have another lfs nearby- I'll walk in and ask what they got in new; they know me well enough to say: nothing you want- only flowerpots.
