Help Rebuild Tongs

[k.tran]

Looks like they started a GoFundMe to help rebuild. Been going here for the past 20 years and would love to see them back.

Note I have NO affiliation with them, just saw this and wanted to get more eyes on it.

We need to save our local fish stores!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-reb...t=amp17_tb&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=sms

 

[mescobar]

I'm a bit confused why the business that makes money by selling stuff, is asking the community for money to get back up and running.

Isn't insurance designed for this very situation?

 

[k.tran]

Not sure, but my guess is that they have $0 income during this time and they didn't have the insurance that covers that. Just thought I would put this out there for anyone that would want to help them.

 

[joseserrano]

I’m fairly sure the fire was due to negligence. They have not supported the community in anyway and also where know to be predatory to new hobbyist.

 

[Deleted member 20245]

Thanks @k.tran for sharing. I feel bad for the LFS and would be ashamed to see them close their doors forever. I haven’t bought anything from them in years but feel that new hobbyists would benefit from a LFS.

To each their own but to me and for me, it’s about being human.

 

[Greaser9999]

Damn.... all that livestock that just burned away, sucks!! All that livestock was cooked alive. If i feel bad when I loose fish or coral in my tank, cant imagine what it felt like to loose everything overnight. They had some very established tanks that had been there for a good number of years. Not sure about the donation though, insurance should be covering all that.

 

[Jimbo327]

I want to make sure this is legit from Tong's.

There has been many instances of people starting gofundme on a tragedy, and trying to scam people.

Anyone know if Katie Chat is related to the owners? The profile is private.

If legit, I would donate to them. Having a LFS is not easy and great for the reefing community. And I had a lot of memories going to their store and looking at the 2 big tanks in the back, they were great reef displays.

 

[Jimbo327]

I've messaged the organizer of that gofundme, and see if she can provide verification. Will let everyone know.

 

[Xaznkewlguyx]

I want to make sure this is legit from Tong's.

There has been many instances of people starting gofundme on a tragedy, and trying to scam people.

Anyone know if Katie Chat is related to the owners? The profile is private.

If legit, I would donate to them. Having a LFS is not easy and great for the reefing community. And I had a lot of memories going to their store and looking at the 2 big tanks in the back, they were great reef displays.

Katie is the daughter

 

[Jimbo327]

Katie is the daughter

Awesome! Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[laverda]

Its a sad all the fish that died. To be honest I have felt most saltwater fish that ended up there received a death sentance anyway. I stopped buying fish there many years ago when 2 fish I bought were there dead by the time i drove home(15 min) and they would not stand behind them.
It sounds like they either had inadiquite or improper insurance. Thats on them.

 

[phamster]

Its a sad all the fish that died. To be honest I have felt most saltwater fish that ended up there received a death sentance anyway. I stopped buying fish there many years ago when 2 fish I bought were there dead by the time i drove home(15 min) and they would not stand behind them.
It sounds like they either had inadiquite or improper insurance. Thats on them.

i have the opposite experience of you. the fish i got there always did well. still have one til this day. my fav fish store by far in la/oc. there stuff was more expensive but whenever i was there people were buying. they always had the best selection of fish as well.

always had to drop by whenever i was around just to take a look. more often than not i wouldn't buy anything though because prices were higher. also, fish were always fine , no signs of disease like others would post.

i personally feel these guys were hated on for whatever reason. my personal opinion, my experience. these guys were around for a while.

i read the gofundme. it looks weird because it's asking for donations in the hopes of one day opening.....hopefully. makes it sound like it's asking money for the family to survive on a day to day basis though. that was my take on it from a quick skim.

my personal opinion.

 

[Jimbo327]

I think we can all agree that Tong's has inspired many people to start reefing with their tanks and large selection. That's the awesomeness of a LFS. They were there before you can go online. I can remember always stopping by to see the 2 reef tanks in the back, and looking at all the different fishes. I still love going to LFS and just look around. It's like going to a Toys R Us, it was so fun.

I do hope they can rebuild. If you can help out, go for it.

 

[laverda]

i have the opposite experience of you. the fish i got there always did well. still have one til this day. my fav fish store by far in la/oc. there stuff was more expensive but whenever i was there people were buying. they always had the best selection of fish as well.

always had to drop by whenever i was around just to take a look. more often than not i wouldn't buy anything though because prices were higher. also, fish were always fine , no signs of disease like others would post.

i personally feel these guys were hated on for whatever reason. my personal opinion, my experience. these guys were around for a while.

i read the gofundme. it looks weird because it's asking for donations in the hopes of one day opening.....hopefully. makes it sound like it's asking money for the family to survive on a day to day basis though. that was my take on it from a quick skim.

my personal opinion.

I agree they had a very good selection of fish. My experience is there have always been sick and or dying fish in their tanks. I am glad your experience has been different.
My main grip is they put captive bred fish in their system with everything else. Captive bred fish have no immunity to most parasites and diseases.