Buying livestock online...

**Sarkazmo** · 06-04-2009, 10:22 AM

I'm planning on ordering both fish and shrimp online as my LFS are completely hopeless for the most part. If you've ordered llivestock online I'd really like to hear your take on it. Was it worth it? Did you have large losses? Would you do it again? I've ordered live plants online and have had mostly great results and only once have I had an issue that the seller wouldn't even acknowledge my complaints (or any contact for that matter) over a pot of almost completely dead dwarf hair grass. Paypal refunded my money so it's all good. It's just come to the point where the fish and inverts I want are not even known locally so I have to go elsewhere.

Thanks!

Sark

**Jaster** · 06-04-2009, 12:14 PM

I haven't personally bought anything online since my fish guy can get me pretty much what ever I want, but if I were going to I would get the fish here... http://www.liveaquaria.com I've heard so many good things about them and they are a sister company with Drsfostersmith.com. Even my fish guy like then and said to get fish there if he couldn't. The big plus, at least to me, is the 2 week arrive alive/stay alive 100% guarantee.

Dealing with people on the net.. that I probably wouldn't do unless it was someone here that I know takes care of their fish and would know how to ship it safely and had a very good rep from other member about selling fish. I could meet somewhere if they are close enough. Other then that... nope... I'll to actual stores.

**toddnbecka** · 06-04-2009, 05:15 PM

I've bought fish and inverts a number of on aquabid w/out any problems. Check the seller's feedback, and consider how far the crittters wil be shipped. More delicate species should be sent overnite. Most species of cichlids, livebearers, catfish, etc. are fine with Priority Mail shipping (assuming they aren't traveling from the west coast to the east coast...) If they're bagged with O2 or in breather bags you shouldn't have any issues.

**Wild Turkey** · 06-04-2009, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

I've bought fish and inverts a number of on aquabid w/out any problems. Check the seller's feedback, and consider how far the crittters wil be shipped. More delicate species should be sent overnite. Most species of cichlids, livebearers, catfish, etc. are fine with Priority Mail shipping (assuming they aren't traveling from the west coast to the east coast...) If they're bagged with O2 or in breather bags you shouldn't have any issues.

I agree

The only seller ive ever had a problem with, it was quality related and he just doubled my order for free, people really dont want bad feedback.

Most people offer DOA insurance for free

**bushwhacker** · 06-04-2009, 07:25 PM

check the forums here you can find most anything... and you know the fish are healthy and you'll find better prices too... i have bought from aquabid and had good luck... shipping is what will eat ya tho

**blacksnow** · 06-04-2009, 07:43 PM

I've purchased a few fish off of aquabid. All have been from the same seller though.

I lost one of the fish, but I believe that was my own fault =O

The fish arrived in amazing condition. Even the one I had shipped 2 day instead of overnight.

I was skeptical about shipping fish, but hey thats how they get to the fish stores =p

**korith** · 06-04-2009, 09:27 PM

A few of us split shipping to make it more affordable and did a group order. Worked out rather well. We did a few losses, around 3 out of 40 or so fish. Replacements were shipped at no cost.

I would only buy from a place that offers some sort of live arrival guarantee. Going for a quicker overnight or 2-3 day shipping solution is probably better than the cheaper solution of regular shipping which can take upwards of a week. The place we ordered from shipping was $35 for 2 day shipping, split 4 ways it was nice and affordable.