If you want a wider variety than most pet stores offer, buying fish online is a great idea.The best way to make sure the fish you receive are healthy and survive shipping is to find a reliable fish retailer.Selecting the right retailer, shipping method, and survival guarantee can help you get the most out of your purchase.You will have new fish for your aquarium shipped to you.
Step 1: Pick a store that has a good reputation.
Buying fish from a well-known retailer is the best way to make sure your fish survive being shipped.A fish retailer with a track record of good customer service and value for the animals is a good choice.You can buy rare or unusual species directly from the breeder.These companies are often smaller and don't have large customer service teams so temper your expectations.Live Aquaria and That Pet Place are two popular online fish retailers.Ask your friends if they recommend online retailers.Special interest groups on social media may be able to recommend quality breeders.
Step 2: You can choose a website with a lot of information.
Knowledgeable retailers are more likely to care for fish.There are websites that provide fish species and care articles as well as detailed information about the inventory of fish retailers.Retailers that areReputable should be able to answer any questions you have.Retailers that don't give any information on their website or refuse to answer your questions may not be as knowledgeable about their inventory.Look for companies that are willing to answer questions and communicate honestly.
Step 3: There is a fish survival guarantee from some retailers.
Because the retailer will ship the fish directly to your home, a 100% guarantee that they will reimburse you for dead or sick fish is important.After receiving your fish in the mail, choose a retailer that offers a 14-day survival guarantee.Even if they're cheaper, avoid retailers that don't offer a survival guarantee, as they may be selling ill fish or practicing poor shipping methods.Most fish stores ship their fish to you as well, so don't worry about whether your fish will survive being shipped to your home.If the retailer practices safe shipping methods, your fish should be fine.The price of the fish and survival guarantee may not include shipping charges, so find out the company's policy before placing your order.
Step 4: Check to see if the retailer has a fish Quarantine policy.
Most fish retailers put their fish up for sale after quarying them from other fish to make sure they're healthy.Check the retailer's website or contact them to make sure theyQuarantine their fish after they import them for at least 1-2 weeks.This applies to fish retailers that sell imported fish.The fish retailer may not need to keep their own inventory.If you want to prevent diseases from spreading to your other fish, avoid fish retailers that don't keep their inventory clean.Quarantine the fish you receive for 14 before putting them in with other fish.The stress of shipping can cause illness.
Step 5: If you want to mimic in- person shopping, look for "Point and Purchase" sites.
If you want to buy a specific fish, look for retailers that offer "Point and Purchase" shopping.The retailers give a picture and information about the fish they're selling so you can choose the one that's right for you.This is the closest purchasing fish online to choosing specific fish at a pet store, and the best way to choose a healthy fish of the appropriate size for your aquarium and its inhabitants.What you see is what you get.
Step 6: Choose the fish you want to buy.
Add the fish you want to purchase to your cart by visiting the retailer's website.Pick exotic fish or ones you couldn't buy at a local store to justify the cost of shipping.You should be aware of the size and condition of your aquarium, your abilities as an aquarist, and the time you're willing to invest in the animals in order to make the best decision.Ensure you can provide the right habitat for each fish by researching their needs.Find out the water requirements, diet, size, and lifespan of each creature and make sure you can care for them well.You could buy a green spotted puffer fish or a freshwater sting ray, both of which are difficult to find.Purchase multiple fish at the same time to save on shipping costs.Be aware of each fish's shipping requirements and work with the retailer to find a solution that works for both you and the fish.
Step 7: You can choose a shipping method for the fish.
Depending on safety, efficiency, and cost, most retailers offer a variety of shipping options.They spend the least amount of time on the road if they ship fish priority overnight.Shipping charges range from $30-50USD at a minimum and will offset any savings you get from ordering fish online.
Step 8: Purchase the fish after you complete your order.
You can enter your name, shipping address, and payment information once you've chosen the right shipping method.Check out your order after you confirm your information.Ask other fish enthusiasts if they're buying fish online together and split the costs of shipping.Before entering your payment details, make sure the site is secure and look for vendors who use third-party payment platforms.
Step 9: Purchase item.
Purchase a fish tank and put it together before ordering fish.You can buy a new fish tank at a pet store.Adding decorations or filters to the fish tank at least a few days in advance will help it be stable.Your fish's natural environment should be mimicked by adjusting the lighting, heat, and water salinity of the fish tank.You will need to buy a second fish tank if you have freshwater and saltwater fish.
Step 10: The tank should be a bicyle tank.
Make sure your new fish are healthy before you introduce them to your other fish.Before putting the fish in the tank, be sure to acclimate them.If you own a fish tank, you should research how your fish interact with each other.If your new and existing fish species are known for being aggressive, place them in separate tanks to prevent them from attacking each other.If you need to, you can move the aggressors to the secondary tank after introducing the fish.
Step 11: You should purchase fish food in advance.
Before your fish arrives, research the type of food it eats and buy it.Depending on the type of food your fish needs, you can buy it online or at most pet stores.Purchase fish food with your fish to save on shipping costs.If you bought a betta fish, you may need dry fish pellets or freeze-dried worms.