SHIPPING SOLUTIONS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do you ship?
Why is there a $150 minimum order on livestock?
How much is shipping?
How much is Saturday delivery?
How are live orders packed?
How do I know when to expect delivery of my order?
How will I receive my tracking number(s)?
Why are orders not shipped immediately?
Why is it necessary for livestock to be acclimated at Vivid Aquariums’ holding facility?
Why are some orders separated into different shipments?
What shipping methods does Vivid Aquariums suggest?

Where do you ship?

Currently, we only ship to the 48 continental United States.

Why is there a $150 minimum order on livestock online?

Due to increased fuel and shipping costs, there is a minimum order of $150 (before shipping and tax) for livestock (fish, corals, and inverts) ordered online. Shipping an average livestock box from California to the east coast costs us $51. With our shipping special of $29.99 or free over $225, we make less than $0 on orders under $150.

If you wish to order less than $150 of livestock, actual shipping costs will apply. All livestock orders under $150 must be made by phone so we can give you a shipping quote.

How much is shipping?

Livestock orders over $225 ship for FREE, plus $10 box charge. Or order under $225 in livestock and the new flat rate is now $19.99 in California and $29.99 elsewhere, box charge already included. All livestock orders are shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight or DHL Express by 10:30 am.

Most non-heavy dry good items will ship ground for less than $8 in total. JBJ Actica Chillers always ship for free.

Live rock 2-day delivery ships for about $1.86/lb to New York and about $0.67/lb to California, and somewhere in between everywhere else.

How much is Saturday delivery?

Saturday delivery must be made by special request by email or phone. Delivery to your home is an extra $12. However, if you pick-up at your local FedEx holding station, there is no extra charge.

How are live orders packed?

Live orders are packed with care, expertise, and confidence. First, we only ship high quality, healthy specimens. Then, we use thick Styrofoam coolers, quality cardboard boxes, heat packs, cool packs, bubble wrap, and Styrofoam peanuts. The outer box states on all sides 'Fragile - Handle With Care',  'Live Fish - Protect from Heat and Cold', and 'This Side Up'. Each specimen is placed in it's own thick plastic bag, sometimes double, triple, or quadruple bagged, with more than enough water and oxygen to make it's trip. Also, while in the cooler, the specimen bags have absolutely no room to move or shift around during the shipping process. We do everything we can do decrease stress on livestock so that  it arrives healthy and ready to be acclimated into your tank.

How do I know when to expect delivery of my order?

After we receive your order, we will call or email you (depending on the option you choose) within 1-4 business days to let you set the shipping date. (Pre-order items may take up to ten business days.) This way you know when to expect your shipment, and we know your order will be delivered when you are available to sign for it. Be sure to follow our acclimating procedures.

How will I receive my tracking number(s)?

After your order is shipped you will receive an email with the Fed Ex or DHL tracking number for your shipment. You can enter your tracking number at www.fedex.com or www.dhl.com to track your order.

Why are orders not shipped immediately?

We take the time necessary to be sure that all livestock are fully acclimated, healthy, and eating well in our holding facility before shipping. We get a lot of orders but will only ship a maximum amount of live order boxes a day to ensure quality. Additionally, we will only ship livestock that meet our high-quality criteria. See our 15-Day Guarantee.

• Most in-stock livestock orders are shipped within 3 business days of the order date.
• Other livestock orders including pre-ordered livestock are shipped within 14 days of the order date.
• Most live rock/sand orders are shipped within 3 business days of the order date.
• Most drygood & aquarium supply orders are shipped within 3 business days of the order date.

In any case, we will contact you. See How do I know when to expect delivery of my order?

Why is it necessary for livestock to be acclimated at Vivid Aquariums’ holding facility?

Most livestock have already traveled thousands of miles before arriving at our holding facility. We must quarantine all livestock to make sure they are free from disease and fully adjusted to aquarium life. This allows us to be sure that you get consistent high quality, well-adjusted livestock. See Ordering Info.

Why are some orders separated into different shipments?

Livestock and dry goods are separated into three categories for shipping purposes. The three categories are:

• Fish, Coral, & Invertebrates
• Live Rock/Sand
• Drygoods & Aquarium Supplies

This is done to cut down on shipping costs. Fish, coral, and invertebrates require faster shipping to help maintain the health of your purchase. Whereas, drygoods and aquarium supplies do not require overnight delivery and waiting a few days will save you money.

What shipping methods does Vivid Aquariums suggest?

We have set the following default shipping methods.

You do have the option to change your preferred shipping method. All livestock orders must be shipped overnight to reduce transit time.