Is buying online cruel to the first?

[Benoit Martin]

I'm planning my first build and told myself that I would only buy livestock from a LFS as having fish shipped by mail sounds like torture for the fish.

Am I just kidding myself by thinking that fish at the LFS didn't go through as much trauma during transportation/shipping?

Is the shipping really not that bad for the fish since they're just swimming in water anyway? I'm thinking about all the bouncing around while being stuck in a dark box.

 

[Sabellafella]

I'm planning my first build and told myself that I would only buy livestock from a LFS as having fish shipped by mail sounds like torture for the fish.

Am I just kidding myself by thinking that fish at the LFS didn't go through as much trauma during transportation/shipping?

Is the shipping really not that bad for the fish since they're just swimming in water anyway? I'm thinking about all the bouncing around while being stuck in a dark box.

Lol I'm sure they do get a little rattled up during shipping, but it's also important to deal with a very trusted vendor. Atleast when we buy them, the little guys are sent over night. As long as it's not delayed over weather, or maybe touch base on the best shipping arrangement-you and them should be fine.

 

[EW_Fish]

LFS vs Online. At the store at least you can view the specimen before you purchase it make sure its healthy and what not. Online you have to trust that the item you are ordering will arrive as noted and healthy.

 

[FITZ7]

I just had an ordered fish arrive in poor shape and he did not make it though the acclimation process. Very disheartening for me as I was searching for that specific fish for months. I did get a full refund but the experience makes me never want to try ordering online again. If I could find exactly what I wanted at my LFS's I wouldn't ever consider buying online.

 

[Water Dog]

I just had an ordered fish arrive in poor shape and he did not make it though the acclimation process. Very disheartening for me as I was searching for that specific fish for months. I did get a full refund but the experience makes me never want to try ordering online again. If I could find exactly what I wanted at my LFS's I wouldn't ever consider buying online.

Is your LFS able to special order fish for you?

 

[lapin]

The wild fish travel diary. I was swimming along and then all of sudden I was in a net. Before I could escape I was out of the water and tossed into a big plastic tank. The truck ride to the airport was really bumpy and some of us got sick. The airline flight was not to bad but after being underwater then a mile in the air, my ears sure hurt. Some of my buddys did make it. Then it was onto another truck and off to the wholesaler. We got to get out of our nasty pee and poop water and into some fresh water. It did have some funny things in it that made me itch. We got to hang out for a few days. Then we got tossed into some new bags. Some were bigger and more of us were stuffed in. Others were smaller and only one of us would fit. Then it was into the darkness and another plane ride. I was in a bigger bag and arrived at a LFS . There I was placed in a small cell with others that looked like me. I wonder where I'm going next??

 

[FITZ7]

Is your LFS able to special order fish for you?

I recently moved to the area and I haven't actually checked with them yet so I guess I shouldn't be complaining too much haha. Thanks for the suggestion though I just emailed them to find out.

 

[Retro Reefer]

I'm planning my first build and told myself that I would only buy livestock from a LFS as having fish shipped by mail sounds like torture for the fish.

More than likely your local fish store gets them by mail also.

 

[tdileo]

Your LFS gets the fish shipped in as well. The fish we keep come from Hawaii Australia, Indonesia, Key West, etc. Both are essentially “online orders”, shipped to your LFS just gives them a few days to settle into an actual tank with filtration. However, it also presents a higher chance for their exposure to disease and other stress like from being picked on.

 

[mcarroll]

I'm planning my first build and told myself that I would only buy livestock from a LFS as having fish shipped by mail sounds like torture for the fish.

Am I just kidding myself by thinking that fish at the LFS didn't go through as much trauma during transportation/shipping?

Is the shipping really not that bad for the fish since they're just swimming in water anyway? I'm thinking about all the bouncing around while being stuck in a dark box.

I think you're right on the money.

If you have a LFS you ought to use them if possible. For exactly the reasons you're thinking and others.

 

[mjlash22]

Everyone is going to have a different opinion on this one. If you live by a reputible LFS, that is the way to go. In my situation with my most recent tank, I did not have a LFS for miles. Besides the livestock I already had, I used live aquaria. Have never had an issues and their specimens are top notch.

 

[Benoit Martin]

Thank you all for responding. It does sound like I'm overthinking it and neither is ideal for the fish anyway.

And just to be clear, I'm not asking what's best for us as I have seen the many threads on this topic and it seems very divided. My question is about what's best for the fish's wellbeing.

Thanks again as I always appreciate everybody's unit while I'm educating myself on this hobby

 

[Oberst Oswald]

Local fish store for pricey fish that dates the time the fish is in the tank. That way you can see if they are well and eating. Mail order for coral is no problem and is recommended because they travel well and less changes they will have to go through.