Late to this forum, but in case anybody is currently reading it. Decided to get back into my old hobby during Covid, which I understand a lot of people did. Needed something to stare at besides the TV. Had to buy a new tank, updated lighting. Still had my old Eheim 2215 and some other left over 'stuff'. I should have gone to a LFS before hand and checked out the prices of livestock/plants etc. too. I nearly crapped in my newly cycled tank. Things certainly got a LOT more expensive in my 15 year absence. I used to think paying 20.00 for a fish was extravagant. I paid 30.00 for my Zebra Pleco back then. When Big Als used to be on Heritage. Just got one for 200.00 which is a deal these days. BUT I remember when I used to be good looking too.... AND the plants. I'm a gardener by trade so I like live green things, especially in the winter. But to get back on track. Had an outbreak of Ich, who doesn't at some time. Did all the research about meds and what would be safe for my Pleco. Was surprised to find out I couldn't buy anything effective in Calgary. Ordered some Kordon Rid x online but of course long delivery date. Did my salt baths, raised temp, garlic, water changes and bought a UV light. All worked out with a few losses. NOW one of my EBR contracted what I can only think is an internal parasite. He's not going to make it. I only recently learned about the Canadian Gov't ban on these medications. I just thought it was a covid/demand/shipping thing like so many other things or I would have been on the ball and ordered some Prazipro ahead of time, or even some API general cure. Cheapest I could do Prazipro was 69.00 for 16 oz. off of Amazon.com. Crazy. The government is worried about these chemicals going into our water supply yet they continue to let big business pollute our major rivers and Great Lakes, as well as the air we breathe. Kinda ironic that if they really cared that much they don't stop the import on these meds/treatments. Just ban them for being on the brick and mortar store shelves. Typival. As for what FunkSolid said, I'm sure prices of livestock has increased because they lose many fish (if they quarantine) due to the fact they can't do the effective preventative measures before they put them up for sale. Either that or they have to refund money for sick fish they sold. Enough of my rant. Covid/nothing to do.
