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Discus

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Overview

Discus has a rating of 1 star from 23 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Discus most frequently mention customer service problems. Discus ranks 23rd among Aquariums sites.

  • Service
    16
  • Value
    12
  • Shipping
    12
  • Returns
    9
  • Quality
    11
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
0
Neutral
0
Negative
10
24
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How would you rate Discus?
Top Critical Review

“Arrived fast and sickly”

Ashley N.
8/26/23

Great price, good communication until I pointed out the fish were sick, shipped right when I wanted it to, and the fish arrived even after shipping was delayed by UPS due to weather issues. I was sent smaller fish and different color fish than I ordered. I ordered 3-3.5 inches and received 7 2-2.5 inch fish of different colors. I think I got two of the 7 types/colors I chose and all were smaller. Two looked DOA, but I placed them in quarantine and turned up the temperature to get them to perk up. One was extremely dark and I chalked it up to stress. All would hide in the corners of the tank and would barely come out to eat and some leaned sideways against the tank. When I brought this to the sellers attention, he immediately stopped responding after being extremely responsive and helpful before that. I noticed a few fish with stringy white poop. With the amount I paid, I could have ordered directly from the people he gets his from but actually get the correct size and colors and now I'm sad that I didn't. Thankfully, I posted pictures of my fish in a discus group and people pointed out how thin and sickly these fish were. Some pointed out which fish had bacterial infections and said all may have internal parasites. I placed them all in quarantine, treated all tanks, raised heat, and used aquarium salt and the fish were completely different after treatment. The dark one became a light color and had stripes, which could barely be seen when he arrived. They had a lot more energy, didn't hide in the corners, actively ate and swam around, and their poop went back to normal. I ended up ordering more fish from a different seller and the acclimation experience was like night and day. These new fish from a different seller were actually 3-3.5inches, not deathly thin, and weren't sickly upon arrival. They were strong, big, and healthy. I would have continued being fine with this order despite receiving different colors and sizes and even if they were sick if the seller would have just been honest and kept communicating so I could have been told the best way to treat them. Please read all the negative reviews. Don't be like me and ignore them and think it'll be different for you. I ordered because it looked like he had more variety than other sellers when he really just buys something smaller and possibly close to what you asked for and ships you whatever. Do not recommend at all. Included pictures of what I was supposed to get vs what I received.

Reviews (23)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Thumbnail of user thischickashley
1 review
4 helpful votes
August 26th, 2023
Verified purchase

Great price, good communication until I pointed out the fish were sick, shipped right when I wanted it to, and the fish arrived even after shipping was delayed by UPS due to weather issues. I was sent smaller fish and different color fish than I ordered. I ordered 3-3.5 inches and received 7 2-2.5 inch fish of different colors. I think I got two of the 7 types/colors I chose and all were smaller. Two looked DOA, but I placed them in quarantine and turned up the temperature to get them to perk up. One was extremely dark and I chalked it up to stress. All would hide in the corners of the tank and would barely come out to eat and some leaned sideways against the tank. When I brought this to the sellers attention, he immediately stopped responding after being extremely responsive and helpful before that. I noticed a few fish with stringy white poop. With the amount I paid, I could have ordered directly from the people he gets his from but actually get the correct size and colors and now I'm sad that I didn't. Thankfully, I posted pictures of my fish in a discus group and people pointed out how thin and sickly these fish were. Some pointed out which fish had bacterial infections and said all may have internal parasites. I placed them all in quarantine, treated all tanks, raised heat, and used aquarium salt and the fish were completely different after treatment. The dark one became a light color and had stripes, which could barely be seen when he arrived. They had a lot more energy, didn't hide in the corners, actively ate and swam around, and their poop went back to normal. I ended up ordering more fish from a different seller and the acclimation experience was like night and day. These new fish from a different seller were actually 3-3.5inches, not deathly thin, and weren't sickly upon arrival. They were strong, big, and healthy.
I would have continued being fine with this order despite receiving different colors and sizes and even if they were sick if the seller would have just been honest and kept communicating so I could have been told the best way to treat them. Please read all the negative reviews. Don't be like me and ignore them and think it'll be different for you. I ordered because it looked like he had more variety than other sellers when he really just buys something smaller and possibly close to what you asked for and ships you whatever. Do not recommend at all. Included pictures of what I was supposed to get vs what I received.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user scottm2828
1 review
4 helpful votes
October 23rd, 2022

Purchased over $400 worth of discus fish and a small bag of starter food. They sent the food overnight but never the fish. I disputed with Amex and they tried to use the tracking for the fish food as proof of delivery. Thankfully I kept all emails showing he promised to send the fish but never did. He then blocked my ip address so I couldn't visit his site to complain. He is a true POS and hope he gets arrested for his wrong doings.

Tip for consumers:
Run! Go buy them in person from a real business.

Products used:
Nothing….. they never shipped the fish

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user timothyv383
1 review
3 helpful votes
September 9th, 2023

Placed a 700 dollar order and after they took my money they started asking for personal information to include bills, Facebook information, and my license. I told him I wasn't comfortable with sharing all this information and I canceled my order and he still charged me over 100 dollars. Hopefully people see this and stay away from this horrible person!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user moiseyg
1 review
6 helpful votes
July 7th, 2022
Verified purchase

I got from Discus.com one of golden diamond discus fish is peppered, and the fish looks like dirty fish.
In my opinion and i think many hobbyist agree it is low quality fish low grade and they not supposed to sell such fish as a high quality fish. Michael from customer service tried to convince me what it is normal.
No, it is not normal.

Thumbnail of user susanl68
104 reviews
439 helpful votes
August 10th, 2021

I have been using Discus.com to comment on news, facts, articles and the like for many years, but in the past year, my comments have been censored over and over without explanation. I might as well be on Twitter, Facebook, Google or YouTube, Discus.com is so oppressive. China owns Discus.com. Any comment about China other than Flattery is summarily destroyed and censored. Discus.com began as a way for people to express and share their feelings, knowledge and opinions. Now it is another Orwellian nightmare of oppression and control, but Big Brother are religious extremists who hate, sanction, insult and blame women. Disqus is a religious cult ruled by nasty sexists and misogynists.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user kellyk1374
1 review
2 helpful votes
August 24th, 2023

Ordered a Gold Nugget Plecostamus, I recieved a Snowball plecostamus. When I questioned it, Michael told me "Well all our Gold Nuggets died and they kind of look alike so I can understand why, what do you expect?" I replied "that I expected to receive what I ordered, is that unreasonable?" and then the following conversation followed:

Products used:
Ordered Gold Nugget Plecostamus, received Snowball instead. Ordered Long Fin Bubble Rams but received German Electric Blue Chili's. Michael was extremely belligerent and immediately questioned my political affiliation. Screen shots attached. Avoid this A*hole at all costs!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user adame797
1 review
5 helpful votes
May 25th, 2023

Today I contacted discus.com via phone and a man answered very unprofessional as if it were his personal number including not introducing himself nore the company. After introducing myself and asking if I was even calling the right place, I proceed to inquire about something that confused me in the shopping cart. Before I had a chance to ask or finish talking the guy on the phone immediately cut me off and said 'We don't answer any questions that are started on our questions & answers forum.' I asked him if he knew the question I had before I even asked... And he repeated himself once more and then immediately hung up on me.

BEWARE: Anyone interested in purchasing discus or any other fish that discus.com offers, save your time & money by shop elsewhere. After researching a little more into their business they are well known for misleading information, bad quality control & horrendous customer service. From what I've read they even go as far as to delete & block some negative comments on their site to hide the bad & ugly side of their business. Don't be thier next victim.

Service
Thumbnail of user allia10
1 review
1 helpful vote
January 17th, 2024

Look closely at the photos from the reviews on Discus.com… the discus being sold are frequently not the ones being advertised. Take note of how many reviews say that their orders look nothing like what they ordered. Also note, for items DOA, you receive STORE CREDIT ONLY. Therefore, in order to get what you order, you have to give them your business again. It's a scam, sadly. I have ordered from them twice & both discus arrived packaged poorly & severely ammonia burned, suggesting they were packaged & sent quickly with no care or thought involved. Although the seller is responsive, he offers no real help/solutions.

Thumbnail of user staceyg232
0 reviews
8 helpful votes
January 20th, 2022
Verified purchase

So I ordered American trapdoor snails and finally got tired of waiting cause for almost 2 weeks I only got the confirmation and that was all. I emailed them to see what's going on and they said they did not have them and the only thing they could do was send the Japanese or refund. So I settled for the Japanese even though I have many of them already. But what got me thinking was what if I never emailed them?! Would they have just kept my money and not send me anything?! And of you don't have it, then why list it as you do have it? Plus the snails came from another company. Aquahuna, and from now ons that's who I'm ordering from. I lost money and should have said refund instead.

Tip for consumers:
Stay away from dicus

Products used:
American trapdoor snail

Service
Thumbnail of user trungl15
1 review
1 helpful vote
January 26th, 2024

Don't buy fish from them Terrible service always ship dead and sick fish and they don't refund money just credit and if need replace another fish need pay $100 for ship fish. Never buy again ….

Products used:
Discus fish

Service
Thumbnail of user anthonym3468
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 4th, 2024

I ordered Altums and was excited to get them. I was later sent a email saying it was backordered. I kept in contact with Michael but all I got was they are coming. After 3 months, I just wanted my money back because he had no intention of filling my order or make excuses. I then was penalized over 20% to get a refund. What a thief and will never order from this site ever again and from all the reviews he has done this multiple times. Plus his shipping is the highest in the hobby world! What an awful person and doesn't deserve to be in business!

Tip for consumers:
Stay away from this sight unless you want to get robbed from his overpriced fish and shipping!!

Products used:
NOTHING. He changed the status during the process and was penalized for his attempt to try a bait and switch.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user glennv60
1 review
7 helpful votes
February 6th, 2022

My experience with Michael at discus.com was horrible. The fish I received was much smaller then the size purchased and in horrible physical shape. It looked like the fish had not eaten in weeks. I will never purchase from him again.

Thumbnail of user nickb929
1 review
6 helpful votes
May 18th, 2022
Verified purchase

I ordered a bunch of live plants for my new goldfish setup. Among my order was 40 dollars worth of Marimo balls. He reached out after a week to tell me that the marimos were on back order. He asked if there were any other plants I was interested in I told him no and asked what the back order time looked like. He never responded and sent me what I believe is spiky moss can't be sure as he refuses to tell me what he sent. All the plants but 1 set were not in the condition as pictured on his site. My hornwort was brown and dying. After several emails he answered none of my questions and gave me terrible attitude. I will include my emails with him below. I also ordered a rock that I never received and he refused to address it when I asked. As a professional you should list your stock accurately on your site and not be an $#*! when dealing with YOUR own customers.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user an.venturi
1 review
1 helpful vote
January 24th, 2024

I bought some items from him, nothing expensive, but he shipped me the wrong ones, many days after the purchase. I communicate with him for a full refund AND the shipping cost. He didnt refund me the shippinng cost...disappointing trade person

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user marblemen69
1 review
1 helpful vote
November 15th, 2023

He is a 3rd party shipper. He owns none of the products on his page. Absolutely zero knowledge of any products. Negative knowledge with plants. Little man ignored pictures I sent him of completely wrong product and asked if I was happy with the portion. Couldn't even tell me what any of the common plants were. No refund and blocked me.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user tedm410
1 review
7 helpful votes
March 27th, 2022

Will take your money never send fish. Takes part of your money if you ask for refund. Pic is mr Michael li at his condo not a fish store. This is where he sells from and drop ships from suppliers.

Tip for consumers:
DO NOT BUY FROM HIM

Products used:
None

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user localr8
1 review
5 helpful votes
October 21st, 2022

Michael Li and his website is totally a joke. He will take your money and send you whatever he wants to send.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user scottywilkins71
1 review
1 helpful vote
January 8th, 2024

They will ending charging you for something you didint order a month later. I never agreed to this and they dont answer calls or text after they start charging you. Dont buy from them please.

Tip for consumers:
They charge you more money a few months later. Total RIP OFF!

Products used:
Just a few fish

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user idrisb12
1 review
5 helpful votes
August 3rd, 2022
Verified purchase

I placed an order in July 2022 for some discus and cardinal tetras, a group of corydoras. First they have a bullet that at the time of this order allows you to select a preferred arrival date for your fish, they shipped 2 days before my preferred arrival date and when I reached out to Michael Li I was told it is called a "preferred" arrival date. Ultimately a rude way to reply & I had to have my mother rush over to bring in the fish because it was over 93 degrees out... Now i get home and unpack the fish and all but 4 of the tetras are alive. Mike tossed in "2' extra tetras, but 4 were DOA in the bag. When I reached out to tell him of the dead tetras his reply was "I gave you extra tetras, did you count them", I replied you gave 2 extra and 4 are dead... Guess he cant count, but ultimately upon me telling him 4 were dead he asked to see a pic of my setup lol what the hell does my setup have to do with fish dead in a bag, shipped on the wrong day that never made it into my setup? Thats it for me wont buy from them again. Whats mind boggling is even if you see someones setup that ironically wont tell the story anyway, your need to see the water chemistry not the damn setup and for DOA fish that cost a few bucks to treat a customer like that when you already shipped on the wrong day is insane. How these guys in general get to be so big and treat customers this way is amazing. I have the entire emil thread and receipt if anyone needs to see it. To be complete & fair I will add that the fish all looked great minus the 4 tetras that didnt make it in transit. The Corys, plecos & Discus were all healthy and colorful, also the size was accurate in the descriptions. My issue was completely with customer service after the fact and not the physical fish. I suspect that they have nice fish there, but why support people that treat customers like numbers.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user josephj939
1 review
5 helpful votes
March 22nd, 2022

Hey guys, DISCUS. Com has some of the most beautiful fish listed on their web site. However, when you order them, you do not get what you ordered. You get what ever they have in stock. Not even close to what you ordered. We are not talking 20-30 dollar fish. We are talking about over 100 dollars a fish. Also when mine arrived they were next to death because the shipment was so ruff with them. I sent DISCUS.com photos of the fish the same hour I received them. They gave me the usual dis-colorment speech due to shipment. But this is not the case, I been keeping fish 40 years and I know difference. I spent an additional 100 dollars on medication in attempts to save them but one died despite my best attempt to save them all. I contacted DISCUS.com again and advise them of the situation of the wrong fish received and the dead fish but DISCUS.com would not work with me to resolve this issue. I requeste them to send me just two of the right fish i ordered. I would even pay the shipping cost. They denied me and now they will not respond to any emails or messages I send them. My best advice to you is not to buy from DISCUS.com or at least call before ordering to make sure they have what you want in stock because they do not care and they have horrible customer service,

Tip for consumers:
Do not buy your discus fish from DISCUS.COM.

Products used:
The fish they sent me. But all were not what I ordered but one

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Thumbnail of user dennisser7
1 review
4 helpful votes
February 23rd, 2023

Since I live close to Brooklyn and I wanted to know if they had a brick & mortar store or I could pick up an order in person. I called and said "Hi, I wanted to know, since I lived close by, if I could…", and he cut me off right away with a big: "NO, the answer is No" and hanged up. How would he know what I wanted to ask. Don't he want to have customers, Well, "NO, THE ANSWER IS NO", and that's it. I am a former New Yorker, I know how people behave in NY. He is behavior is not of a typical NYorker, it is of typical jerk and of a^$(&**())!@* So, you know.

Tip for consumers:
Save yourself some aggravation and forget the site and store exists. Unless you are craving some high blood pressure and loosing your money all together.

Products used:
None, the guys is jerk. He does not what your business.

Service
Thumbnail of user carloss552
1 review
4 helpful votes
April 9th, 2022

I have ordered from Michael in the past and was satisfied. I ordered $660.00 worth of discus and after a week called and spoke with him. He said I had a large order and he has to quarantine the fish. I explained to him that has never been the issue before. I then got an email stating my order status has changed to Allocated/Reserved. I called him and asked what does that mean? He didn't answer my question but said at the earliest my fish would ship next week. Well, another week came and went. I called and he said it would ship next week. I told him that is what you said last week. He asked if I wanted to cancel, I said yes. He refund my money minus 15%. I called him to ask why and he referred me to his policy. He has a clock on his website that give you a deadline to order and receive overnight which has been the case in the past. I don't know what is going on at this company but it is not good! II WILL NEVER ORDER FROM DISCUS.COM AGAIN!

Tip for consumers:
Avoid this site at all cost, because it will cost you

Products used:
Fish

Service
Thumbnail of user fernb28
1 review
9 helpful votes
August 11th, 2021

He, his website, and business practices are a complete joke! I regret ever buying fish from this website or him. What a dishonest business man! Just type of "discus.com reviews" and you'll see countless negative complaints from copyright infringement of pictures to selling fish not as described. I wish I would have read all of these reviews before ordering, not just looking at his positive reviews on his website.

I ordered 6-8inch Atabapo altums and paid him $450 for them. He sends me 3-4 inch fish, explaining those were the largest that they can send. If they're not as you described, why did you send them?

He readily takes my money, and says I'd like to make this right after the fact. After several heated exchanges with him, he says he can give me a $70 refund for the mistake. Keep your stinking money! I will not order from him if he was the only fish shop online.

Go directly to the source for quality fish, Wattley Discus, or other reputable breeders and other sources. He buys a well known domain name and drops fish fish from Wattley Discus and other sources. I wonder if he even owns an aquarium.

Learn from m $450 mistake. Money is not the issue. His dishonesty, greed, and unscrupulous business practices are the issue.

Other complaints have 3 pages on sites like simplydiscus.com forum:

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?*******-Discus-com-anyone

Please read this thread from Kenny of Kenny's discus and judge for yourself http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showth...t-doesn-t-have

Here are some of the comments:

Shatz: This guy is a complete scammer and I would stay away, far away!

Ryan: This guy does not have a facility. You place the order, he then orders from Wattley, and Wattley ships directly to you. Michael Li has no fish and doesn't ship. He never sees or handles the livestock.
He steals pictures from other vendors to bait you into ordering, then places an order at a totally different vendor who does not have the fish in his pictures. So it's worse than drop-shipping. It's an outright scam. It's like showing you an iPhone and then having someone ship you one of those garbage knock-offs from China.

Mjj Discus says:
This Li guy is a joke. Hes a joke scammer. I ordered 3 items from him all on separate days. I received one of three items which i had tracking for. I talked to him on the phone asking about the status and tracking info for the other 2 items, he stated he did not have since i would have coat moremoney for shipping. He blamed in on covid an told me to wait. I ended up opening a dispute with paypal. At this point he gave them thw tracking number that showed the 1 item that did deliver and they closed the dispute in his favour. I will be calling paypal again to get my money back since i have proof what was associated to the tracking is not the other 2 items. Hes a loser and a scammer dont waste your time and money on this fool. One day he will gwt hia teeth kicked in!

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