I have to disagree with you stevie on the self sustaining aspect but that's another topic of debate which doesn't have bearing dealing w/Church's problem. Great to see another fish geek here
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Stevie raises some excellent points.
Food: As stevie mentioned, food choice is the second most important factor, environment being the first. Excellent brands are NLS (New Life Spectrum) and Dianichi. They use whole ingredients and very little "meal"/filler
in their ingredients. Less filler, less waste. Hikari and Legend are other very good brands to use.
In dealing w/staff in the LFS, find someone, as stevie mentioned, that will take the time in guiding you and give a few tips and pointers. Once you develop that relationship, bringing coffee/donuts, what ever he/she likes to snack on is a wonderful gesture as, at least here in Canada, working at the LFS isn't a great paying job. Aside from the monotony of scrubbing tanks all day and getting worked up after dealing with an unruly customer, a smiling face offering coffee just makes makes it all a distant memory.
Working at various LFSs while going through HS and university, I speak from personal experience. Personally I do the same while getting my fish and coral fix...LMAO!
HTH and keep us all posted
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