Fish order Dr reef quarantined fish

[jimmypencil]

Ordered a neon blue goby and a hi fin goby in early January from dr reef. Just received it today. The neon goby was dead and the hi fin goby is half an inch and I’d be really surprised if he doesn’t instantly get decimated in the tank. I’ve heard good things so maybe I just had a bad experience but I wanted to share lol

 

[trsmith18]

I also recently received an order. All arrived alive but my tailspot blenny was less than 1”.

Disappointing but alive and hopefully it can compete for food in the tank.

 

[bvanfish]

Ordered from them 1 doa 1 gone the first day 1 still kicking. Not good packaging probably won’t order again

 

[Reeftanktraveler]

I ordered from Dr. Reef at the beginning of January as well. Received messages that my fish was acquired and quarantining. Paid for it and they sent me the arrival date. Stayed home from work to receive, but nothing came. Called to find out why the fish didn't arrive, and he said my fish didn't make it through quarantine and they can't find another one. No reason given as to why I was never contacted after waiting a couple of months. I didn't feel he was scamming me because he refunded the money. However, after waiting so long they should have notified me and not sent me messages my fish would arrive on a specific date. Not trying to hate, but this was my experience.

 

[FortLivingRoom]

“Dr Reef” has some of the worst customer service I’ve experienced. I don’t believe he’s a doctor in anything Marine related. Would have a million excuses under the Sun on multiple shipments about why they were delayed. Always something, then he always plays the “I’m doing it for the love of the hobby” card. Acts like he’s doing you a favor even though you’re the one paying him. I tried him twice because of cheaper prices, one of the packages smelled like straight death when I opened it and there weren’t even temperature extremes or shipping delays. I’ve only used TSM since and had great experience with their QT fish, though the selection is thin sometimes; the quality is superb. Then for CUC I usually use reefcleaners.

 

[BirdFish5000]

Is he still shipping in those tiny bags with tiny amounts of water? I tried him twice and both experiences went like described in here.

 

[bvanfish]

“Dr Reef” has some of the worst customer service I’ve experienced. I don’t believe he’s a doctor in anything Marine related. Would have a million excuses under the Sun on multiple shipments about why they were delayed. Always something, then he always plays the “I’m doing it for the love of the hobby” card. Acts like he’s doing you a favor even though you’re the one paying him. I tried him twice because of cheaper prices, one of the packages smelled like straight death when I opened it and there weren’t even temperature extremes or shipping delays. I’ve only used TSM since and had great experience with their QT fish, though the selection is thin sometimes; the quality is superb. Then for CUC I usually use reefcleaners.

@FortLivingRoom is reef cleaners stuff qt at all? Or are their inverts kept with fish?

 

[MarsReefer]

Did you specify larger fish? Most people want to get their fish small.

this is also a terrible time to be shipping fish. Their website has huge warnings all over it right now. Fish deaths are to be expected if you take the risk this time of year. Thankfully they have a really good warranty.

order now for April delivery which is significantly better weather to ship in.

 

[FortLivingRoom]

@FortLivingRoom is reef cleaners stuff qt at all? Or are their inverts kept with fish?

I’ve never had an issue with them and always superb packaging. From their website: We adhere to strict quarantine procedures to ensure unwanted pests do not take hold in your tank when dipping isn't adequate. All of our systems are free of fish, and fish disease. We pride ourselves on delivering quality specimens and advice.

Reef Cleaners| Clean up Crews and Macroalgae - Reef Cleaners

www.reefcleaners.org

 

[dadnjesse]

I also recently placed on order for 4 fish. One was dead upon arrival 2 more were dead the next day. 3 of the 4 were tiny and the ones that died. It' certainly cheaper to go to my local fish store. For me I'm hoping to not expose my tank to problems.

 

[salty150]

Thanks for posting this.

 

[scottj6]

I ordered 4 fish from Dr Reef back in November. Didnt receive them till the end of January. 2 of them were DOA. 1 died a couple of days later and the 4th one is doing great. They were prompt in refunding me but for the time and cost it takes to get these fish, I wont use him again.

 

[doubleshot00]

Ive had two shipments from him. First was 3 fish and 2 are doing fine third was a green goby and hes been mia since adding him.

Second shipment was a solo flame angel. He’s doing just fine.

Ive had great experiences with him so i guess its hit or misss.

 

[BirdFish5000]

For the time and the claims of quarantine involved, it shouldn't be hit & miss or all. There are faaaar better QT vendors - ocean devotion, fishotel, tsm. Pricier, but you actually get your fish, and they are actually healthier.

 

[ColonelCrow]

Ive had 1 order with them 1 doa they gave me credit no other issues.

Recently placed a 2nd order for rarer and "dont ship well" that arent listed on their website. They sourced and got them and are qting them right now. I wasnt invoiced for my first order until 2 days before they were on my doorstep. I was prepared to pay sooner for this order but ive still not been asked to pay for this order.

Leads me to question the one guy who said he paid at the start of qt and ran into problems there after. But maybe his is an older issue and policy has since changed. Im certainly not implying he is a liar.

I was pleased enough with my first order that i happily placed this second even explaining to them that i dont have the greatest of expectations at arrival but will trust and hope.

I think every place will have its issues and thankfully we have resources like this forum to combine experiences.

 

[dadnjesse]

I'm on my second order and I get an invoice to pay the week before he ships. My first order took a month, my new order has only been 6 days is supposed to ship this week.

 

[jimmypencil]

“Dr Reef” has some of the worst customer service I’ve experienced. I don’t believe he’s a doctor in anything Marine related. Would have a million excuses under the Sun on multiple shipments about why they were delayed. Always something, then he always plays the “I’m doing it for the love of the hobby” card. Acts like he’s doing you a favor even though you’re the one paying him. I tried him twice because of cheaper prices, one of the packages smelled like straight death when I opened it and there weren’t even temperature extremes or shipping delays. I’ve only used TSM since and had great experience with their QT fish, though the selection is thin sometimes; the quality is superb. Then for CUC I usually use reefcleaners.

Tsm? I’ve had luck with reef chasers and absolutely fish naturals.

 

[jimmypencil]

Ive had 1 order with them 1 doa they gave me credit no other issues.

Recently placed a 2nd order for rarer and "dont ship well" that arent listed on their website. They sourced and got them and are qting them right now. I wasnt invoiced for my first order until 2 days before they were on my doorstep. I was prepared to pay sooner for this order but ive still not been asked to pay for this order.

Leads me to question the one guy who said he paid at the start of qt and ran into problems there after. But maybe his is an older issue and policy has since changed. Im certainly not implying he is a liar.

I was pleased enough with my first order that i happily placed this second even explaining to them that i dont have the greatest of expectations at arrival but will trust and hope.

I think every place will have its issues and thankfully we have resources like this forum to combine experiences.

I also got the invoice once the fish were done with qt

 

[jimmypencil]

Tsm? I’ve had luck with reef chasers and absolutely fish naturals.

Oh never mind it’s called tsm haha I thought that was an acronym. I’ll check them out.

 

[infinite0180]

Ive used him multiple times and have been happy everytime…