[bew0721]

The online world has come a long way in that you can now order cars online and have them delivered!(Heard it advertised on the radio the other day- wow.) Anyway, you can also order live fish online. Has anyone here ever done this? How reliable is this? Are the fish of good quality and do they survive transitioning to your tank? If this is a good way to order fish... what are some good honest sites to order from?

I am only considering ordering online because all my local fish stores are limited on the species of fish they offer and none of them will do special orders.

 

[thekoimaiden]

I had the same issue as you. All of my local stores either have sickly fish or a poor selection. Almost all of my fish in my 29 gal community came through the mail and all of them are in excellent condition. They key is selecting good dealers. My two favorites are The Wet Spot in Oregon and Invertebrates by Msjinxkd (she also sells fish, too). I have had excellent experiences with both the sellers and their fish. The honey gourami I ordered from The Wet Spot bred within days of arriving in the mail.

The one thing you are going to have to remember is that shipping will be expensive. I paid as much for the fish as I did for the shipping in almost all cases. I also chose overnight shipping because it is less stressful on the fish. People still used two-day shipping, and their fish still get there alive. It's also less stressful on your wallet.

 

[Tracy Bird]

It is a good way to purchase fish and sometimes the only way to get the fish you desire.

There is the risk of loss, but if you select established and reputable sellers the risk is minimal and if it occurs the seller will take care of you, their customer...

I agree with "thekoimaiden" on Wet Spot and Ms. Jinxkd - two excellent sources....

I've also found Live Fish Direct to be an excellent source as well.

If you will be looking for Cichlids, try Dave's Rare Fish - great selection, super healthy, pretty fish.

There's a lot of good folks selling fish online.

 

[BWG]

I'll third the suggestions of The Wet Spot and Invertebrates by Msjinkzd. Those are the only places I've ordered fish from.

I have had a few DOAs, never a whole bag, but maybe one fish in it. Weather was probably an issue in those cases so keep that in mind. Heat and ice packs get used, but it still seems best to order when it's not the middle of winter/summer.

Distance is another thing to consider, even if it is just to help cut down on the cost of shipping. The Wet Spot is on the other side fo the country from me, while Msjinkzd is a little more than an hour away. The difference I'd pay in shipping is sometimes $35. You really cna't go wrong with either place. I know of others, but since I haven't used them myself, don't wish to recommend them.

 

[jaysee]

welcome to the forum

I have had good experiences ordering online, even when most of the fish were DOA. I generally don't pay for overnight shipping, so I don't get the live arrival guarantee. However, the only time I had a DOA problem the seller gave me a credit for the fish. Didn't have to, but they did. That was gunpowder aquatics. Now that summer is almost over I am going to use my credit Other orders were various sellers on aquabid.