buying online

Ubergroover · Mar 12, 2017

I am a reef newbie...A buddy of mine swears by buying his fish online. Its the dead of winter here and my gut says dont do it. has anyone done this in the colder months? Good experience? Bad experience?

Clayalaleona · Mar 12, 2017

Most reputable shippers can ship just fine in the winter or summer and you get full DOA coverage

ubasu · Mar 12, 2017

I think it's preferable to ship in the winter. It's easier to keep the package warm with heat packs. Than cool with cold packs.

Ubergroover · Mar 12, 2017

That makes sense. I have never done it. Bought fish on line that is...lol

Maritimer · Mar 12, 2017

It's a common and frequent practice, and most of the shippers take it right in stride.

Read up on acclimating a shipped fish - the ideal procedures are a little different from bringing one home from your corner LFS - and schedule a delivery time when you can be home to receive.

~Bruce

Reefiness · Mar 12, 2017

As long as you're buying from a reputable source as many have said, you will have no problems. They know how to ship in all types of weather and if they think there will be any issues they will delay the shipment until weather improves.

ChronicRage · Mar 21, 2017

Hey, I'm also knew to buying corals and stuff online. What are some recommended sites?

ws6kid · Mar 21, 2017

Lots of our sponsors are pretty awesome. The few on ebay usually have some nice deals depending on what price points you want.

Our local fish stores aren't awesome sometimes, so I order almost everything online and have it shipped in the heat and cold.

ThunderGoose · Mar 21, 2017

I buy a lot of fish and corals on line and I've had really good experiences. Only once has anything come in DOA and the company was very responsive.

I've used BlueZoo, Divers Den, CoralReefTN, Cultivated Corals, Vivid, and... I think one other that I'm forgetting right now. I also buy from local fellow reefers.