Mail order fish......

[Gulp]

Who has ordered their fish online? I see a major price difference between what I can get online and what my LFS is wanting to charge me.......but it makes me nervous ordering a fish I don't get to inspect. Out of curiosity, how are they shipped safely? Anyone had any bad/good experiences? Is there a place that is generally recommended? :D

[basenjib123]

I have never ordered fish thru the mail, however, I know people that have and it seems pretty routine, i.e. not many dead fish, etc. The price of this seems to be the big downside. If you can get together with a few people to spread the cost out, then maybe its worth it? The cost is the only reason that I have never done it myself. Just my 2 cents on the subject, Good luck, Joe.

[SayersWeb]

I've ordered from -
http://www.tangledupincichlids.com

The shipping charges can be expensive, so you need to place a large order if you are trying to save much money compared to the LFS. The other advantage of mail order is that you can order fish that you cannot find at the LFS. This is the main reason for my ordering online.

[Gulp]

Originally posted by SayersWeb


The shipping charges can be expensive, so you need to place a large order if you are trying to save much money compared to the LFS.


I realized this after looking around a bit. :D Looks like it will be cheaper for me to give the LFS some business since I only want 1 or 2 fish at this time.

[LMOUTHBASS]

found a few places that have flat rates of 25.00 bucks for shipping - - i like to go on their sites n put together fantasy orders of stuff i can't get roun here -
liveaquaria.com is pretty good for shipping charges - i've never ordered fish but have ordered meds from them
they have a decent listing of fish
try checking them out - other sites will give you an estimate of how much it will cost which is usually much more
i'm prob gonna order some fish when i want to get a bunch at one time - sometime soon

[Cearbhaill]

I've purchased Fancy Goldfish and Discus online- never lost a fish yet.
Yes- the shipping is expensive- usually in the $35-40 range for overnight service. But the quality and selection can't be beat. If you are looking for something not easily available or of a specific quality/color it's the answer.
Will I do it again? You bet!

[djdk]

Fish are shipped all of the time. How do you think your LFS gets them? I have never personally ordered them, but the stores get their fish shipped unless they breed them all. It is a pretty routine process.

[Gulp]

Originally posted by djdk
Fish are shipped all of the time. How do you think your LFS gets them?

You mean they aren't magically conjured in a back room? :p Of course I realize fish are shipped to the LFS..... I was just wondering what method they use to get them to the door of your house out of curiosity, and was looking for a reputable place. :D

I went ahead and bought the lace cat from the LFS. He is floating in his bag right now waiting to be released. Unfortunately......Gulp has bitten the bag right near the cats head......like he wants to eat him. Gulp is almost 9", the cat is around 5 inches long.....but a lot smaller in mass. I am almost afraid to release him as it would be near impossible to catch him in that tall 110 if Gulp starts to attack. He might just be a $32.99 snack. :(

Agghhh.....decisions. Take the cat back and be stuck with a 1 fish tank.....or take the chance? Off to see what they are doing now.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Gulp
..... I was just wondering what method they use to get them to the door of your house out of curiosity,....
We got our Discus from Ohio. I recommend you set up an airport pick-up. You don't want the fish sitting on some truck in a box waiting delivery! The sooner you get them, the better...

Choose carefully on the supplier, I got what looked to be seasoned (Old Bay) shrimp one time. They had that well done orange look, and were quite dead.

[PumaWard]

My brother had his Rams shipped Next Day Air... they were supposed to be in by noon... didn't make it in until 4 or 5 pm. Shipping was expensive but the fish arrived healthy and are still healthy.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by PumaWard
My brother had his Rams shipped Next Day Air....
Isn't there a guarantee on shipping times?? I think he gets a freebie on that late shipment!! Good deal!

[PumaWard]

There was a garentee, but I don't think he pursued it.

[clayt101]

I've bought fish online, but my favorite is when I travel to other cities with really good stores and bring the fish on the plane with me. I get some strange looks as I go through security.:D

[blitzen25bm]

Originally posted by SayersWeb
I've ordered from -
http://www.tangledupincichlids.com


jeff rapps is awesome. i never ordered from him but people i know have and he has great fish. i ordered fish online twice because i cant get them here. and everything went well.