Special order fish

S

Sunny

AC Members
Jun 24, 2004
120
0
0
Texas, USA
excoboard.com
I am wondering if most pet stores like Pets Mart special order fish? I noticed that there are places on the internet where you can order specific fish. I feel sceptical buying live fish off the internet, about its delivery and how you'd handle returns in case it dies. I'd prefer to deal with a Pet store. How does this work?
 
I've never heard of a box store that would special order fish for you--PetSmart/PetCo type places. Mom and Pop places usually will do so--but you may end up paying up front, and if you end up not wanting the fish, losing money on the deal.

I'm comfortable buying online--many of the better places offer a better guarantee than the LFS.
 
Shopping online for fish is okay, but the shipping cost is just not worth it in the end IMO. If you have good LFS, go there and buy your fish. The only time I would go online is when there's a fish that is hard to find in my area. And I don't think Petsmart or PETCO special orders fish...

Here's a reputable company for ordering fish online: http://www.liveaquaria.com/
 
They package the fish carefully in special insulated boxes where the fish are usually bagged carefully inside of them. If a mail-order fish dies it's a big pain in the a** and too much of a hassle but that's the risk you gotta be willing to take if you order online. I'm pretty sure they arrange someone to pick up the fish but most likely there will be some restrictions applied and they might ask you for your water parameters etc.
 
Actually, most places will give you an arrive alive guarantee, and some will ensure 3 days after that minimum (for SW, this is excellent, as most LFS won't give any assurance on SW fish). They require that you contact them immediately if the fish arrives dead, some will request a digital image as proof of the fishes condition. Check with the individual stores--the good ones do provide all this information on their webpage.
 
I went to the site you mentioned above, and browsed it. It is very good with lots to offer. However when I decided to see what happens when I order something, say, "Badis"--one of the types of fish I was hoping to get, they proceeded directly to checkout without asking me what gender or colour I wanted. :(
 
Try calling them. Most places will work with you, but can't be as responsive over the net. A phone call should allow you to get the specific fish you want.
 
I bought some botia straita's from aquabid, got them 2 days later, in great shape and still are, months later. For most fish the postage is a killer, but if its something you really want...... I've also had very good luck buying from club auctions. Most clubs have a big one twice a year, I've bought several times from the clubs around me and always got healthy fish. If you inquire at you lfs, they should be able to point you to the clubs around your area. Good place to find oddball fish as well.
 
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