Terms and Conditions for Tropical Fish Retail Website

Welcome to our tropical fish retail website. By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before placing an order.

1. General Terms

1.1. These terms and conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website and the purchase of our products.

1.2. We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time without prior notice. Your continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

1.3. Our website is intended for use by individuals 18 years or older.

2. Live Arrival Guarantee

2.1. We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee for all live tropical fish shipped through our website. This guarantee ensures that all fish arrive alive and in good condition.

2.2. The Live Arrival Guarantee is valid only if:

The package is received and opened immediately upon delivery.

You notify us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographs of any issues.

The fish are acclimated following the instructions provided on our website or in the packaging.

2.3. The guarantee does not cover fish harmed due to delays caused by the shipping carrier, improper handling after delivery, or failure to follow acclimation instructions.

2.4. If a claim is approved, we will issue a replacement, store credit, or refund at our discretion.

3. Shipping Policy

3.1. We ship live tropical fish within the contiguous United States only.

3.2. Orders are shipped via express services to minimize transit time and stress on the fish.

3.3. Customers are responsible for providing a valid and accurate shipping address where someone is available to receive the package.

4. Returns and Refunds

4.1. Due to the nature of live animals, we do not accept returns of live tropical fish.

4.2. Refunds or replacements are provided only under the Live Arrival Guarantee or in the event of a mistake on our part.

5. Care Information and Acclimation Procedures

5.1. We provide detailed care instructions for all fish sold on our website.

5.2. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate setup and knowledge to care for the fish.

5.3. Proper acclimation is crucial for the health of your new fish. The acclimation process should include the use of a quarantine aquarium to monitor the fish before introducing them to your main tank. Quarantine aquariums help prevent the spread of disease and provide a controlled environment for the fish to adjust. Detailed acclimation and quarantine instructions are available on our website and in the packaging.

6. Limitation of Liability

6.1. We are not responsible for losses or damages caused by:

Inappropriate tank conditions, including water quality and tank mates.

Failure to follow acclimation or care instructions.

6.2. Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the fish in question.

7. Privacy Policy

7.1. We respect your privacy and will only use your personal information to process orders and improve your shopping experience.

7.2. For more details, please refer to our [Privacy Policy].

8. Governing Law

8.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of the state in which our business is registered.

8.2. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our website will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that state.

By placing an order on our website, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us before making a purchase.

Acclimation Procedures for Most Tropical Fish

Proper acclimation is crucial to minimize stress and ensure the health of tropical fish when introducing them to a new aquarium. Follow these steps for most tropical fish:

1. Preparation

Ensure your aquarium is fully cycled, with stable water parameters matching the fish's requirements (e.g., temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels).

Turn off the aquarium lights to reduce stress for the new fish.

Have a clean bucket or container ready, if needed, to handle the fish and water during acclimation.

2. Float the Bag

Place the sealed bag with the fish into the aquarium.

Let it float for 15–20 minutes to equalize the temperature in the bag with that of the tank water.

3. Open the Bag and Start Drip Acclimation

Open the bag carefully and secure it so it remains upright. If necessary, transfer the fish and the bag water to a clean container.

Use an airline tubing and a valve or clamp to create a slow drip from the aquarium into the container.

Aim for 2–4 drips per second, gradually increasing the water volume in the container.

Allow the drip to continue for 30–60 minutes, or until the water volume in the container has doubled or tripled.

4. Monitor the Fish

Observe the fish for any signs of stress, such as heavy breathing or erratic swimming, during the acclimation process.

If any issues arise, slow the drip rate and extend the acclimation time.

5. Transfer the Fish

Use a soft, fine-mesh net to gently transfer the fish from the container to the aquarium.

Avoid adding the water from the bag/container into the aquarium, as it may contain contaminants or pathogens.

6. Post-Acclimation

Keep the aquarium lights off for a few more hours to help the fish settle in.

Monitor the fish closely over the next few days for signs of stress or illness.

Special Notes

Some sensitive species, like Discus or certain shrimp, may require extended or tailored acclimation procedures.

For marine fish or invertebrates, use the same method but extend the drip acclimation to 1–2 hours to account for salinity adjustments.

Avoid rushing the process; slow acclimation reduces the risk of osmotic shock and stress.