Buying Fish On The Internet?

[MarkR]

After finding this forum I have noticed that you can buy fish on the internet, is this right? If so how do they get the fish to you without them dying.

I bet there is a really simple answer to this and knowing me I have got hold of the wrong end of the stick as usual.

 

[Durbkat]

Yes its true that you can buy fish on the net. All they do is put the fish in a bag like they do at the lps but only in enough water to cover their bodys. Then they put them in a insulated box and it is usually best to have it shipped over night to reduce stress on the fish then once you get the fish you open the bag in a dimly lit room and slowley introduce them into a brighter light to where you can see then you put the bag in the tank like you would for any other fish and let the bag sit for 20 minutes and then open the bag put some tank water in bag wait five minutes then scoop them out with a net and wait two days and turn light on.

 

[!Gina]

you can buy pretty much anything online and fish are no exception. I've only found one UK based site that does this and i've been looking for mail order for a long time

if you find any good sites please let me know!

 

[Bloo]

I've used Trimar a few times (you need Java to view the site) and they have a fabulous selection of fish - and though what Durbkat describes is true for Bettas, it's not quite true for other freshwater tropicals that I've received. There is plenty of water in the bag (it doesn't just cover the body) and you should very very slowly acclimatise your new fish to your tank / hospital tank. Open in a dimly lit room and float bag in tankwater for approx 10 minutes. Cut small opening in bag and add a small amount of tankwter to the bag. Hook bag onto side of tank and keep adding tank water to the bag every 10 minutes or so. Over a period of an hour. Then finally you can release the fish to the new tank.
leave the tank lights off for a good few hours and don't be too concerned if they don't eat straight away.
Such journeys are very stressful and though most fish are fine, some are very sensitive and require care and time to acclimatise

 

[imouse]

It's a personal preference to purchase fish online. Personally i prefer to see the fish i am buying in person than take a chance on a picture.
I bought some from an online trader just the once, the guy had pics of male Endlers up so i paid for 5 males. I ended up with 4 female & 1 male guppies in a tiny double wrapped leaking bag. The male was so stressed, he was almost white! i rang to complain and was told that the pic was just a representation of the colourations. i told him that he should at least know the difference between Endlers & Guppies and male and females.

But, It's a case of each to their own



mouse

 

[MarkR]

I am not sure if I will ever buy fish on the internet as I have several LFS's in my area. I suppose the only time I will use it if I can't find the fish I am looking for.

Plus the fact the cost of shipping will probably mean I dont actually make much of a saving.

I may try it once just purely out of curiosity.

 

[Bloo]

Depends on what you buy, but the £10 that Trimar charges is cheap as chips compared to the savings that could be had. Sometimes a lfs just can't get what you're after.

 

[imouse]

Trimar is the one i ordered from..NEVER again
Don't get me wrong, this may have been a one off occaision but once is enough for me. (and they refused a refund because the fish were alive on delivery, matters not that the order was messed up)




mouse

 

[Bloo]

That must be very unfortunate (and understandable that you feel you never want to use them again), but Trimar have a fantastic reputation.

 

[imouse]

That must be very unfortunate (and understandable that you feel you never want to use them again), but Trimar have a fantastic reputation.

Many people have said the same as yourself, which is why i was loath to mention them in my original post. maybe as i said, it was a 1 off.
Then again, i use Pets @ Home and get nothing but 100% quality of service and stock, yet some people refuse to even enter their stores. Can't please all the people all the time eh?



mouse

 

[MarkR]

Depends on what you buy, but the £10 that Trimar charges is cheap as chips compared to the savings that could be had. Sometimes a lfs just can't get what you're after.

So bloozoo, do you mainly buy your fish on-line then?

 

[Bloo]

Nope because I'm fortunate enough to have a fabulous lfs that caters for 99% of my needs
That's Wholesale Tropicals in Bethnal Green.

 

[catxx]

I want to go to Wholesale Tropicals BUT it would mean i'd have to go to Bethnal Green

 

[Bloo]

it's not that bad. Just jump on the no. 8 or 388 outside Liverpool Street station (main entrance) and it's a 5 minute bus ride. Bus stops practically right outside the shop (opposite side of the road) and the return bus stop is just a few yards from the shop.

Frightningly easy to get to actually

 

[catxx]

i live in north london, liverpool street isn't practical! hehe!
i'm spoiled by working (but NOT living) in Hampstead (like i could afford to live here!!!)