Customer Service at Tong’s Tropical Fish in HB

[R33FERnatic]

I was wondering if anyone else deserve this kind of service. I’ve heard of this store but never been there.
I called today to see if they have live rotifers in stock. He told to hold so he can go check in the back. He came back and said they have one bottle left. I ask how much for the bottle he then replied “it’s in the back and I’m not walking back there to check the price because he is busy” he then hung up on me. I called back he picked up and hung up again.
It bothered me sooooo much that I had to see if anyone else had experienced this kind of service at Tong’s.
Now have decided I will never ever spend my money at this place.

 

[Research Monkey]

They do employ a lot of younger people there. Maybe you just got one in a bad mood? I've never had an issue at Tong's. I don't call very often though.

 

[matt_work2727]

i recommend trying Seaside in Huntington if you are unhappy with tongs (10-15 minutes from tongs). Both are good stores in my experience tho

 

[R33FERnatic]

I thought it could be they are having a bad day too due to the holidays.

 

[R33FERnatic]

Thanks for recommending Sea Side. I did them call before calling Tong’s. Unfortunately they do t have live rotifers.

 

[R33FERnatic]

I’ve been getting my live roti at Coral Gazers but the last two times were not good. That’s why I’m looking for new places.

 

[happyreefer]

I was going to say that Coral Gazers is the spot for live rotifers. Luis always have 4 or 5 bottles of fresh rotifers on hand. It may have been that you just got there when those batches were going stale since they only last for so long. He told me that he uses a special powder blend that he got from a friend or made himself, I can't remember, in lieu of the actual food that they require. I forget what that green liquid is called but I think that is what they really need to thrive. Plus, it's refrigerated at the store and I know that when you culture rotifers, it's done at room temp. That could be another factor, I'm not entirely sure. Maybe you can call him and ask when he's gong to get some more.

The owner at Tong's, I think his name is Toan or Ton. You should tell him about what happened with your call. I can't imagine why he would talk to his customers like that. He's alway busy doing something at the store due to his large operation but he does take the time to talk to me in great detail about whatever it is that we're talking about. I learned a lot about the "behind the scene" part of reef from him since he imports a lot of corals. I had no idea about some of the stuff he laid out. It's really entertaining. With that said, I can't say it wasn't him but I would try calling again and ask for the owner (not the wife) and see what he has to say.

 

[joseserrano]

Chalk it to the guy having a bad day. S usually rolls downhill, or even a personal loss/issue

 

[R33FERnatic]

Thank you for all the replies. I think the stuff rotifers eat is phytoplanktons. The best I’ve heard is RG Complete. The bottles at Coral Gazer is usually green with tiny white rotifers swimming in it. The last two times I got the bottles were brown in color. They smell bad so I took it back and Luis was nice enough to replace them for me. But those were not useful either. I will give Coral Gazer another try.

 

[Smite]

There is one younger dude in there that's got an attitude for sure. Overly confident in his knowledge of fish/coral and can be pretty rude about it. Just by the response I can almost guarantee that was him.

The rest of them are pretty cool and looking to help.

 

[GG_reefer]

All my fishes bought from Tong, died except for a pair of clowns. Those got from seaside are always healthy.

 

[mattyzang]

I was there yesterday

they had like 4-5 employees at least walking around. The kid that helped me seemed not very friendly, weird teenager energy. I prefer less talk with those types anyway so no big deal

The owner seemed nice as well as the older white guy. It seemed pretty busy maybe you just caught them at a bad time unfortunately

I’d give them another shot but up to you

 

[Shane_RTTV]

Service at Tongs has always been awful in my experience. Their prices and organization are awful too. That old guy on their IG seems to be the happy go luck type tho, maybe ask for him if you get stuck there lol

 

[NickleCheese]

Dont ever buy fishes from Tong’s. Seaside in HB is much better for fishes.

 

[Research Monkey]

I feel like their pricing on equipment (not complete tanks) and food is pretty on par with online pricing. The woman at the front is always super friendly and always asks if you need help etc. They also have the largest variety of CUC you can find locally. Its been hit/miss for fish for me.

 

[Tikalize]

Wow.. I've never been to Tong's but it sounds like like a lot of people here know this "Kid" and his attitude. If the public can call him out on his behavior, you would think his boss and fellow employees would know first hand. Very bad for any business. My employees representing my place of business with attitude would be looking for a job elsewhere. As far as spending my money in such establishment, I would also be spending my cash elsewhere. I understand people are human and we have many emotions and bad days but that's no excuse to treat someone who contributes towards keeping the lights on and food on your table just because you can't check your emotions. Having a few bad days maybe but sounds like this "Kid" may have bigger issues in life..

 

[R33FERnatic]

Thank you everyone for your input. I’ve also heard from many people not to buy fish at Tong’s. Besides the fish not being healthy along with the way they treat their customers I will never go into that store.
I’ve been in customer service for a long time. In my situation that kid should have said they are busy right now. Can he call me back once he have a chance to get the price for me. I would totally be okay with that.
Anyways, wish everyone have a safe and Happy New Year!

 

[phamster]

Tongs is fine. No fish store compares to the fish selection they have.

Never had a problem with any of their fish.

As for customer service, I've never had a problem. Also, if I need help, I will walk up to somebody if I need to.

 

[kevin32]

Tongs fish are not healthy… they die all the time on customers.

 

[R33FERnatic]

I’ve met several people that bought fish from me. They asked where I get my fish from. Then they said I got my fish from Tongs and they die. They even told me that Tong’s sold fish in bags that came from the wholesaler and haven’t even been acclimated. I was shocked!!
This tells me Tong’s just want to make a quick dollar and don’t car about the well being of animals.