Michigan Cichlid Association
Classifieds => LFS Reviews => Topic started by: Marty on November 04, 2012, 03:10:17 PM
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I stopped in this store with Laif Demason last Thursday.
The store is in the beginning stages of an extensive remodeling project right now, so pickings are a little slim. There are a number of racks that have been built off to one side, and it sounds like there will be a large number of freshwater and saltwater tanks when the store is done.
Anyone that has been in the store in the past knows that the store was trashed, so hopefully the new owner will be able to get it done in a reasonable amount of time.
The only other recommendation I would give would be to re-brand the store right away. Get rid of any of the Pet Station signage and change the telephone number to get away the taint from the previous owners escapades.
5317 S Telegraph Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
313-292-6343
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I just stopped by yesterday.
I never went to the store before then, so I'm not making comparison to anything prior, only to other stores in the area. Will be interesting to see where things are at in six months.
My observations -
Quite a few flowerhorns. Maybe 6-10 flowerhorn tanks out of 70-80 freshwater tanks at the moment?
Decent number of African cichlids, maybe 1/3 of the tanks and probably 3/4 of the cichlid tanks.
A few CA/SA cichlids, which are my current focus. But mostly the ones you'd see a lot of places - texas blues and the like.
A few rarer species, like African tiger fish and rhom piranha...but very expensive for those, as expected. Some nice larger specimens of three or four synodontis species. I can't recall the rest at the moment.
Prices seemed high on some and average on others, like any store. Example: ~3.5" neon red jewels for $15 ea. Larger specimens, but even so, a bit pricey. On the other hand, some of the tetras and 'community' type fish were cheaper than several of the other stores in the area, e.g. $2.50 when other stores would sell for $3-3.50. So, it all depends what you're looking for.
The filters/dry goods aisle was somewhat haphazard/limited selection, but one nice feature was several boxes of generic filter pads for Marineland and Tetra filters, if you don't want to bother with making your own. As well as other helpful tools like bags of filter floss or other components.
Worth stopping by to check it out if you're in the area. I would not currently recommend a long drive just to visit.
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Just went down last night. I was pleased to pick up some fish I had been looking for. There were many different species of Africans, not all in color though. The Peacock Bass were entertaining to see eat. The show and wild caught stuff was very high end on prices and looks, but what do you expect? The salt water stuff was actually exceptionally cheap, 6 coral frags for $50. Tristan, the owner, said he plans to expand a great deal and begin importing Victorian cichlids. I was very pleased with the experience and hope he does indeed complete his goals.
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I stopped in last night... I was not too impressed. Remodeling looks to be going very slow.
I'll give another couple months and check the place out again. Hopefully there is some improvement.
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This place was one of my favorite places 15 years ago. I will stop by after they are done re-modeling...
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So, I stopped in on my way to the airport...
Store looks the same as the last time I was in there.
I was quite disappointed... I walked in, there were two people working... I did two complete laps of all the tanks and not one word from either guys. One was behind the counter and one working on tanks.
Not a single word was spoken.
Not a "hello', not a "any questions", not a "let me know if you need anything"
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So, I stopped in on my way to the airport...
Store looks the same as the last time I was in there.
I was quite disappointed... I walked in, there were two people working... I did two complete laps of all the tanks and not one word from either guys. One was behind the counter and one working on tanks.
Not a single word was spoken.
Not a "hello', not a "any questions", not a "let me know if you need anything"
Sounds pretty pathetic if neither worker was busy with other customers.
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I've been in there twice and was greeted immediately both times. Hope this store is more successful than the last, but Fins is still the best, IMHO.
Mike Z.
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Not going to comment on this store. :P
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So, I stopped in on my way to the airport...
Store looks the same as the last time I was in there.
I was quite disappointed... I walked in, there were two people working... I did two complete laps of all the tanks and not one word from either guys. One was behind the counter and one working on tanks.
Not a single word was spoken.
Not a "hello', not a "any questions", not a "let me know if you need anything"
Sounds pretty pathetic if neither worker was busy with other customers.
Three people in the store... me and two employees.
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So, I stopped in on my way to the airport...
Store looks the same as the last time I was in there.
I was quite disappointed... I walked in, there were two people working... I did two complete laps of all the tanks and not one word from either guys. One was behind the counter and one working on tanks.
Not a single word was spoken.
Not a "hello', not a "any questions", not a "let me know if you need anything"
Sounds pretty pathetic if neither worker was busy with other customers.
Three people in the store... me and two employees.
Yeah, that is definitely not good customer relations. I live far away from the place but if I'm ever down that way I doubt I'd even bother stopping in. I wouldn't go there before because of the previous owner and their bad reputation.
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It just really disappoints me. There was talk about a turn around, etc. There has been plenty of time for at least some clean up and paint. I know its not cheap... but at least the basics can be taken care of.
Customer service... no excuse for that at all. Been the same each time I have been in there too.
sorry guys at Tail Fins... back up the talk please.
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Went to the store this past Sunday. The place was pretty much a deadzone. The fish were highly overpriced IMHO, 50$+ for a Midevil come on guys...
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Ok, I know I have been out of the fish game for awhile now, but what the hell is a "Midevil"? LOL
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Ok, I know I have been out of the fish game for awhile now, but what the hell is a "Midevil"? LOL
Midas and red devil cross.
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Ok, I know I have been out of the fish game for awhile now, but what the hell is a "Midevil"? LOL
Midas and red devil cross.
To elaborate more.... a big orange Amphilophus that you have No reliable info on Which species it actually is. Because too many places have labeled them Red Devil & just mixed Labiatum & Citrinelum .
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"Midevil" ? ::) That's like the people that sell Yorkiepoo dogs, or any of the other "designer" dogs....while they may be cute to many people, THEY ARE A MUTT!!!!
I have nothing against a mixed breed dog, I have had several, but calling them by some fancy name just to sell it... >:(
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"Midevil" ? ::) That's like the people that sell Yorkiepoo dogs, or any of the other "designer" dogs....while they may be cute to many people, THEY ARE A MUTT!!!!
I have nothing against a mixed breed dog, I have had several, but calling them by some fancy name just to sell it... >:(
Midevil isn't a fancy name to sell a fish. It's used to show that you have a hybrid, not a true Midas or true Red Devil & that all those Petsmart, PSP, Miejer, ect Devils are hybrid & you don't have a True species unless it was bought from a reputable source.
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"Midevil" ? ::) That's like the people that sell Yorkiepoo dogs, or any of the other "designer" dogs....while they may be cute to many people, THEY ARE A MUTT!!!!
I have nothing against a mixed breed dog, I have had several, but calling them by some fancy name just to sell it... >:(
Midevil isn't a fancy name to sell a fish. It's used to show that you have a hybrid, not a true Midas or true Red Devil & that all those Petsmart, PSP, Miejer, ect Devils are hybrid & you don't have a True species unless it was bought from a reputable source.
Then why not call it exactly what it is...a Midas x Red Devil cross? My point using the dog analogy is I hate the stupid made up names. All the hybrid crosses in fish, and canines, do not use some contraction of the two names so why with certain ones?
Again, I think it's to market some "catchy" name.
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I have a eye biter red dragon cross. I shall name it dragon biter
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I have a eye biter red dragon cross. I shall name it dragon biter
Is that a Aulonochromis species? ;D
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Not sure body of a peacocl face and color of a eye biter. Id say its a laberdoodle
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"Midevil" ? ::) That's like the people that sell Yorkiepoo dogs, or any of the other "designer" dogs....while they may be cute to many people, THEY ARE A MUTT!!!!
I have nothing against a mixed breed dog, I have had several, but calling them by some fancy name just to sell it... >:(
Midevil isn't a fancy name to sell a fish. It's used to show that you have a hybrid, not a true Midas or true Red Devil & that all those Petsmart, PSP, Miejer, ect Devils are hybrid & you don't have a True species unless it was bought from a reputable source.
Then why not call it exactly what it is...a Midas x Red Devil cross? My point using the dog analogy is I hate the stupid made up names. All the hybrid crosses in fish, and canines, do not use some contraction of the two names so why with certain ones?
Again, I think it's to market some "catchy" name.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?367826-Please-read-before-asking-if-you-have-a-Midas-or-Red-Devil
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"Midevil" ? ::) That's like the people that sell Yorkiepoo dogs, or any of the other "designer" dogs....while they may be cute to many people, THEY ARE A MUTT!!!!
I have nothing against a mixed breed dog, I have had several, but calling them by some fancy name just to sell it... >:(
Midevil isn't a fancy name to sell a fish. It's used to show that you have a hybrid, not a true Midas or true Red Devil & that all those Petsmart, PSP, Miejer, ect Devils are hybrid & you don't have a True species unless it was bought from a reputable source.
Then why not call it exactly what it is...a Midas x Red Devil cross? My point using the dog analogy is I hate the stupid made up names. All the hybrid crosses in fish, and canines, do not use some contraction of the two names so why with certain ones?
Again, I think it's to market some "catchy" name.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?367826-Please-read-before-asking-if-you-have-a-Midas-or-Red-Devil
This statement: " I don't recall who it was but someone on this site (MFK site) coined the term 'Midevil" for these fish and it's starting to stick."
is one of the things that bothers me...made up names.
By the same token, a person can't be sure if it truly is a cross between those two fish, which then makes that name incorrect....especially with the others from the Amphilophus complex coming into the hobby as the article states.
What's next, an Amphilophus sagilabinellum???
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What's next, an Amphilophus sagilabinellum???
I wouldn't think so, as not too many New World hybrid common names include the Scientific Genus.
Examples: Green Texas, FlowerHorn, ParrotFish (I know a ParrotFish isn't actually a hybrid, but it was thought to be for many years)
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What's next, an Amphilophus sagilabinellum???
I wouldn't think so, as not too many New World hybrid common names include the Scientific Genus.
Examples: Green Texas, FlowerHorn, ParrotFish (I know a ParrotFish isn't actually a hybrid, but it was thought to be for many years)
I'm sure you already knew it but that was dripping sarcasm. My point is I absolutely hate the stupid made up names...especially the contraction style names.
This is a tangent relation to my previous thread regarding scientific names vs common names. While common names are less aggravating for me personally, at least a hybrid cannot have a scientific name other than species "A" x species "B".
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I actually thought "Midevil" was just a typo!! Glad I'm not keeping fish anymore cause this crap (Midevil) would certainly get my dander up. Ahhhh the good ol days when a Midas was a Midas.
Gets off soap box to go play with his "balls".
For those of you who don't know me I now keep and breed Python regius or more commonly called ball pythons or "balls" for short!!
Gotcha!!
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Ahhhh the good ol days when a Midas was a Midas.
Or so you thought. ;)
Gets off soap box to go play with his "balls".
Lol
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I stopped in there last week. The store is still "under renovation." Or at least I thought it was. The sign did not change out front, said it is still the pet station and there was a small sign out front said new owners. The store seemed bare to me, prices were ehhh. From the dates of the earlier reviews I am not impressed as to the speed of the renovation. Who am I to judge though since I don't run my own store.
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I stopped in there last week. The store is still "under renovation." Or at least I thought it was. The sign did not change out front, said it is still the pet station and there was a small sign out front said new owners. The store seemed bare to me, prices were ehhh. From the dates of the earlier reviews I am not impressed as to the speed of the renovation. Who am I to judge though since I don't run my own store.
Ummm. I think you didn't look. There is a huge sign across the entire front of the store. Its red and has fancy lites so its visable. Its been there for some time now.
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I stopped in there last week. The store is still "under renovation." Or at least I thought it was. The sign did not change out front, said it is still the pet station and there was a small sign out front said new owners. The store seemed bare to me, prices were ehhh. From the dates of the earlier reviews I am not impressed as to the speed of the renovation. Who am I to judge though since I don't run my own store.
Ummm. I think you didn't look. There is a huge sign across the entire front of the store. Its red and has fancy lites so its visable. Its been there for some time now.
The old sign is still up too. At least it was a couple weeks ago.
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It still is. They don't turn it on tho. I'm guessing its pretty expensive to take the old one down. But they do have the new sign up. Goes the entire lenght of the building.the I agree the old one needs to go It has a bad reputation stuck to it
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Has anyone been here recently? I only dealt with Tristan once and he seemed to think he was expanding quite a bit.
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Has anyone been here recently? I only dealt with Tristan once and he seemed to think he was expanding quite a bit.
Expanding? They can't take care of what they currently have!
After the horrible service and disgusting conditions... it will take a lot for me to get back into this store.
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Ken, I agree. Maybe I'll stop in there again but there are better options with more selection and better service/cleaner stores if you drive a bit, e.g. Bruce's down in Brownstown, or Fins if you go the other way out to Livonia.
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Has anyone been here recently? I only dealt with Tristan once and he seemed to think he was expanding quite a bit.
Expanding? They can't take care of what they currently have!
After the horrible service and disgusting conditions... it will take a lot for me to get back into this store.
I only dealt with him the one time, but in retrospect he kind of struck me as an impulse liar. He reminds me of a good old fashioned used car salesman.
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I was kind of in the neighborhood... so, I figured.. what the heck.
I walked in... walked right past the counter, twice. There were two guys behind the counter talking to each other.
Was in the store 10 minutes. Not one word was spoken to me.
Great customer service Tail Fins... great service.
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He reminds me of a good old fashioned used car salesman.
That's EXACTLY what I thought about the guy I talked to there. He referred to himself as a "Cichlid expert" and a "Saltwater expert"
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The sign issue: I've had more than a few conversations with the owner over the past couple of years, and just recently this year, (March 2015) I asked him why the old sign was never refaced? His response was "We got a new sign put up." So the old pale blue "pet station" sign remained on the building...while the new red "TAIL FINS" sign had been installed directly on the front of the building for quite some time. It took them quite a while to take the old blue sign down. It probably happened around when you started this thread? The reason I asked him this legitimate question was that I assumed the old blue pet station sign would've been grandfathered in with the city of Dearborn so it could have been re-faced? Their new sign is incorporated into a modern shared sign which is nearly invisible. If your heading Northbound on Telegraph, and you don't remember where the old pet station was, or to look for the "America's Best Contacts" you will blow right past this place now...hence the reason for me asking about the old sign. Possibly the buildings owner seen an opportunity to rent that sign space out to multiple businesses there?
It appears the renovation has come to a complete stop.
Store Review: They regularly have some nice SA/CA cichlids in stock pretty consistently, and African cichlids come in once a week. They also get some pretty rare odd ball fish in, especially predators and so on.. Whether you hate or love this place, it's still worth stopping in if your heading in that direction IMO mainly because of the stock. They're located on a very high traffic area of Telegraph so I believe he is trying to carry more types of fish and appeal to both types of cichlid customers as well as the community tank keepers.
It's usually only Tristan or possibly one other employee in the store Lee, which essentially means if more than a few customers are in the store, you're going to be waiting which is typical at almost every LFS nowadays. I've personally asked the owner why he doesn't greet everyone that walks into the store...his answer was inconclusive. "You can't show everyone each and every tank in the store and give them a complete tour." While this may be true, I feel that it should not discourage you from saying "Hello, Welcome to Tail Fins." or saying "I will be with you in just one moment." That is an extremely bad business practice and I'm certain it has cost them more than just a few customers.
Trade-ins have improved, he gave me a really good store credit for a Juruense Catfish I had earlier this year and I was able to pick up an awesome wall hammer coral which is still my favorite coral in my reef tank. He gets corals in on Fridays and his prices are more than fair on corals and SW fish. Almost all the regular FW fish are buy 2 get 1 free all the time unless it's something super special or odd.
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