Buying Fish Online From .....

[CroNiC]

Do you think buying fish from them is safe? Not just safe but will they fish be fine?
I know its popular but i just wanted to know if anyone from this forum has bought fish from them? What were the results? I might even buy bogwood or rocks or something like that from them. Is it a wise idea?
Any suggestions would be helpful thx

 

[rdd1952]

I haven't ordered on line before but I do use the Foster & Smith website for fish profiles. From what I have seen, they sem to be very high on their proces, at least compared to what I can buy the same fish locally for.

 

[MAM]

I have bought equipment and supplies from them on occassion, as they have actually been cheaper, even with shipping, than some of the shops locally. However, personally, I fell they overcharge for fish that you are receiving sight unseen and so have never bought fish from them. But I'm someone that prefers to either see the fish in person, or at the very least, a picture of the actual fish I will be buying. Frankly, you can often get the same fish for less from a breeder on say Aquabid, or another fish site. Shop around. However, I'm sure their fish are of good quality and I belive they have a replacement plan should the fish arrive dead or in poor condition. I know there are some members on here that have actually purchased fish from them who will hopefully come along and share their experiences with you.

 

[LoachLover]

I've bought a few fish species through them and they pulled through, nice looking fish, in good condition. I'd give them a great review

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Fish Dude

I bought fish from them and would never recommend them to anyone. Of the two kinds of corys I bought at the same time, all of one kind arrived dead and the other kind were very small and sickly, and were not the species I ordered.

They do have great customer service representatives though, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for supplies of equipment.

 

[comedykicks]

My fiance has purchased fish from them and they do seem to be quite alright. They're delivered in a styrofoam box which seems to pretty much protect them from all outside stimuli which my shock or frighten them during shipping. And from what I know, they ship overnight so the fishes aren't in the bags too long.

One fish did die, but that can be expected and they replaced it without any hassles so I was quite pleased with their service. All the other fish and the replacement are all healthy and happy as of today so, I would recommend them.

 

[CroNiC]

Well ya they are over pricy witht he fish. But i NEED cardinal tetras and my the closest local store is 42 min away. Usually takes 1 hour though. I usually go to petsmart and petco which are like 15 min away. I have only been to the local store once ... and even though they have good selection of items and fish ... i dont want to purchse fish because it is a hour drvie with the fish.
I probaly wont purchase from them sicne some like and some dont. And if people are disatisfied then im not going for them.
As far as Aquabid .. i might buy from there but is it safe and all that? Never bought from there either

Thx

 

[rdd1952]

i dont want to purchse fish because it is a hour drvie with the fish.

Driving an hour with the fish shouldn't be an issue. Obviously, if you order them online, they're going to be bagged a lot longer than that. Just take a styromfoam cooler with you and put the fish in it to keep the temperature steady.

As for the online replacement policies, most everyone will replace the fish if they die BUT you have to pay the shipping which in most cases isn't worth the effort. You end up having them reship 2 $4 fish and you have to pay $35 in shipping cost. Even though I haven't bought fish online before, I have researched it and unless you are buying a decent quantity of fish, you will get eat alive in shipping since you have to ship overnight.

 

[CroNiC]

Yup thats why im not buying online. I guess ill just have to drive with the fish

 

[Durbkat]

Hi Fish Dude

I bought fish from them and would never recommend them to anyone. Of the two kinds of corys I bought at the same time, all of one kind arrived dead and the other kind were very small and sickly, and were not the species I ordered.

They do have great customer service representatives though, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for supplies of equipment.

Was it you that had this thread a while back where you ordered some corys and when you opened the box it had an ice pack in it and the fish were dead but they said you had to float the bag for 30 minutes to see if they would come back alive or something like that?