Ordering online ?

[Petunia]

What kind of success has everyone had ordering online critters? Which online company/store do you prefer? Why?

I've been thinking about ordering from an online store. I really prefer to see what I buy. I'd rather drive a hour to a fish store and pick-and-choose. I'm not sure if I want to order anything from an online store... I would appreciate some comments.

[Cylenchar]

I've had luck ordering fish from Marine Depot and Dr. Fosters and Smith. My recomendation, even if you know you will be home, have them deliver to a drop facility and then pick it up yourself (generally you can pick it up as soon as the facility opens). The only time I have lost a fish from shipping is when I didn't do this. it reduces the stress from the fish bouncing around on the truck considerably, not to mention allows you to keep the temperature more stable vs an unheated or cooled truck back.

[pogodzib]

I have yet to order any fish online, but have had good luck with snails, hermits, and corals. Since critters are more hardy than a typical fish, I have used a few different stores with good luck at all of them. If/when I do decide to order fish online, I'd be much pickier as to who I order from.

[Liza]

I've ordered online a few times and never had a problem with fish, but I have had a few shrimp arrive dead or dying, and once got a small brittle star that was already decomposing by the time he got to me. I've had good luck with fish and crabs, snails, etc. though.

[mtfatwork]

no problems ordering online so far, but never say never. What are you looking for? Maybe I can point you in the direction of a local that has it at a good price.

[schneijt]

I ordered from www.saltwaterfish.com and was very happy with it. I would also be more than willing to order from Marine Depot or Fosters and Smith. I also like to pick my own stock, but if I order fish it's not the biggest deal. However, as far as corals go I'd only buy ones where I was guaranteed the item pictured on the site. Especially for the more expensive sps corals I've looked at.

-Joe

[Jeff_edge540]

I also vouch for Saltwaterfish.com. I just received an order for 4 diff inverts and 4 diff fish. All arrived in great shape. The each item was triple bagged in a styrofoam cooler (that was inside a box). There was plenty of water in the bags. After a 3hr drip all is health and happy.
You can't beat their free shipping offer right now. They ship FedEx priority (early am delivery). My box arrived without a bent corner or scratch. The box is white and was clean upon delivery.

[Cais49er]

The only time I ordered online was from VividAquariums.com. I would order from them again. All fish arrived alive and in good shape. The price was very good too. They also will let you choose the shipping date so that you can be home to receive the order.

[Petunia]

saltwaterfish.com doesn't have corals. Any other online stores that you feel are good for coral?

[lfish]

I love roesmarineworld. They have beautiful rics & other corals, and seem to have great deals. I always have been really happy with what I ordered.

[mtfatwork]

www.saltwaterfish.com does have corals, you just have to go to that section. I have purchased corals through them that have done very well. I have also purchased through www.extremecorals.com and had great success, just some issues with zoa rocks not being as big as they claim.

[schneijt]

Saltwaterfish.com does have corals. There's a link on the left to their corals. They don't always have them all in stock, but if you wait long enough, eventually they're all available at some time. My only experience with them is fish and inverts, but I'm sure they'd be great with corals as well.

[Petunia]

for the great sites everyone! I really like the products, pricing, and shipping cost at roesmarineworld.

I'm still leary of ordering online... maybe once I get a bigger tank and can maintaine better parameters I'll try it.

[DevilBoy]

i have placed online orders from foster and smith, have been pleased with them, give you credit over the phone when you have any DOA. Marine depot i have been very happy with. Roesmarineworld. I like ordering from Tyrone he has wonderful prices and wonderful shipping prices. the only downfall from Tyrone, is some of the corals are extremely small, but what do you expect from a $7 coral?? so i really cant complain very high quality corals and some nice colored zo's, rics, and yumas

[Petunia]

Devilboy, who is Tyrone and is there a website?