buying fish over internet

[treesprite]

can people tell me what they feel the risks and all are in purchasing fish over the internet, and how it's worked out for you and the fish?

Thanks

[flowerseller]

I have and it's worked out great.

It's not much different than how your LFS does it.

Just like when you but fish ANYWHERE, they should be put in QT.

[mogurnda]

I have bought much of my livestock from Inland Aquatics. They are no cheaper than an LFS, but I can be sure they will arrive fat and happy, and they can often get CB fish I have trouble finding locally.

[jason the filter freak]

In my experience certain internet dealers have a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better guarantee than LFS and usually the prices are better.

[bk_market]

I buy most of my fish from internet. Most online store have good guarantee service even better than LFS. Plus always good price even with shipping.

[discretekarma]

I use Saltwaterfish.com. Good prices, good guarantee, and free shpping with $79.99 orders. It's easy to spend $79.99 on saltwater fish.

[Rascal]

When I started I bought quite a few fish from the internet, but now I only by from LFS.

 

One reason is I like to support good, responsible marine fish stores in our area, because if they don't make it then the internet becomes the ONLY option. Plus the ones run and staffed by fellow hobbyists are pretty cool places to visit.

 

Another reason is that I can't always be there exactly when a shipment arrives.

 

Another reason is that after shipping and handling are factored in the prices aren't that much better than LFS.

 

The final reason is kind of selfish: i just feel that well selected fish from a LFS have a better chance at survival in my tank. Shipping is stressful on the animals no matter what, and a certain percentage of them will die shortly after arrival. When you buy from a good LFS, they usually either have a quarantine period, will hold a fish for you, can tell you exactly how long it's been there and how it is eating, and sometimes all of the above. Plus you get to see the fish and choose for yourself, which means a lot to me.

 

Just my .02.

[jamesbuf]

When I started I bought quite a few fish from the internet, but now I only by from LFS.

 

One reason is I like to support good, responsible marine fish stores in our area, because if they don't make it then the internet becomes the ONLY option. Plus the ones run and staffed by fellow hobbyists are pretty cool places to visit.

 

Another reason is that I can't always be there exactly when a shipment arrives.

 

Another reason is that after shipping and handling are factored in the prices aren't that much better than LFS.

 

The final reason is kind of selfish: i just feel that well selected fish from a LFS have a better chance at survival in my tank. Shipping is stressful on the animals no matter what, and a certain percentage of them will die shortly after arrival. When you buy from a good LFS, they usually either have a quarantine period, will hold a fish for you, can tell you exactly how long it's been there and how it is eating, and sometimes all of the above. Plus you get to see the fish and choose for yourself, which means a lot to me.

 

Just my .02.

 

 

Couldn't agree more. I hate not knowing what I'm getting. There is alot to be said for picking out the fish before buying it. Well worth the extra 10-15% more.

[flowerseller]

Do any of you "special order" any of your fish from a LFS?

 

What do you believe the LFS expects when you look at the one they ordered for you and you decide you don't wan ***?

If you do take it and it dies in a few days, (we read this all the time) do they help you on $ or does the sale end at the door?

What LFS acutally does a true QT?

 

Don't get me wrong here, almost ALL my fish have come from Tropical Lagoon in Silver Spring (Steve does not QT)(not even hypo for a few days)(or copper) He will sell right from the bag on arrival day. (my preffered method)

 

I QT my new additions for at least 2 weeks (except a few I believe don't need it) thru various methods I was taught in our early years but Steve or developed myself.

 

Most of my fish are in excess of 4 years old with many 8-9 and some even older.

I don't "buy to try",

[BeltwayBandit]

Do any of you "special order" any of your fish from a LFS?

 

 

I have.

 

 

What do you believe the LFS expects when you look at the one they ordered for you and you decide you don't want it?

 

Generally, if I special order a fish through the LFS it is one that I want and the only reason that I wouldn't take it is if it is in bad shape. Generally speaking, the LFS that I have worked through has never had a problem with me backing out of a sale when the fish is in poor shape. They will generally keep it a couple of weeks and try to nurse it back to health, if they can then I buy it. If not, they report it as DOA to their wholesaler and get some credit for it.

 

"If you do take it and it dies in a few days, (we read this all the time) do they help you on $ or does the sale end at the door?"

 

Caveat emptor. That is why you have to check the fish closely before you purchase it. Most of the internet places only guarantee live arrival if I am not mistaken. How is that any different?

 

"What LFS acutally does a true QT?"

 

I know of two that QT new arrivals.

 

I have purchased all of my fish from LFS. I echo the sentiments of some of the other posters, I beleive the ability to see the fish prior to purchase plus the advice from a good LFS is invaluable. Plus, in an emergency I have had two different LFS offer to open after hours to purchase supplies. Can you get that kind of service from your internet company?

[ReeferMan]

Most have a 7-14 day guarantee. IMO i believe what alot of people are saying is true about seeing them before you buy them. I have ordered fish online before and received a fish that i expected to be bigger or smaller. Some place you can request size your looking for. I do believe the guarantee on a fish is great from interenet purchases but you need to pick your online stores carefully. This is a main reason why i order fish online versus LFS. You can usually get them cheaper as well.

[Black Mammoth]

I haven't, but I have considered it. I've found some good LFS in the area that provide healthy fish for the same price or cheaper. Every once and awhile they'll be a few bucks more, but IMHO it is worth it to support local business. After all they provide good knowledge, help, and wonderful socials.

[madmax7774]

For me personally, I get all my fish from BRK. I know for a fact that they QT all their fish. They have an entire system dedicated to QT with hypo (and I think copper too, but I'm not 100% sure). The biggest reason to buy locally is to support the LFS. These local stores literally work their tails off to stay open, and service us as hobbyists. I appreciate that. The Internet stores have their place, as they help to keep prices in check, but nothing beats being able to walk in and see what you are buying. In both cases, fish can and do die after you bring them home. It happens. To me it's more of a headache to worry about shipping issues and arrival times and QT. With BRK, I know the fish is healthy, and QT'd properly, and I can see before I buy it. I have seen first hand the amount of work that BRK puts into taking care of their fish, and I can appreciate that.

[Sharkb8]

{EDIT - I realized my post had nothing to do with the question, so I am doing it over}

 

Experience so far:

I have been involved in one group internet buy, otherwise I've purchased everything locally either from fellow WAMAS members (used fish are the best) or have been extremely lucky in making rare selections at a local chain pet store with a very bad national reputation. The one group buy I was involved in turned out ok because there were only a couple DOA's. I am currently doing a large group buy from BZA, so we'll see how that goes.

 

Risks:

DOAs - yeah, you get a refund, but you'll have to pay shipping all over again to use your credits (perhaps my understanding is incorrect on this, not sure - free shipping to replace DOAs?);

 

size varies - if you REALLY needed a 3" fish and you instead got a 1.5" fish, that smaller fish may be in jeopardy depending on who else is in the tank and chances of survival, bigger is *usually* better (not always) in terms of chances of survival;

 

Shipping issues/stock issues - if they don't have what you want in stock when you place the order, you may only get half of what you ordered and they might still ship it, making the shipping costs possibly greater than your order (anyone else run into this?)

 

Sick fish - you don't get to select it, so you don't know how healthy it is. Some fish are especially prone to various kinds of sickness, especially if they are harvested using cyanide, etc.

 

facilities - you don't get to see their facilities in person, so you can't be sure exactly which procedures they are following, how long the fish has been in their holding tanks since coming in from the boat, etc.

 

"and all"

 

To me its just a matter of balancing various factors: availability at lfs v. internet; QT procedures and reputation of lfs v. internet; distance to lfs v. to group buy leader's house; risk of purchasing on-line (internet dealer reputation) v. lfs reputation; DOA guarantees; value of advice you can get from either in person or on the phone; etc.

 

You have to balance all these factors and risks. Internet purchases are probably more of a risk with shipping costs and not being able to see what you're getting. So if you're near a good lfs who sells fat & happy stock that have been adequately QT'd, I'd definitely go there first. If that avenue presents greater weight in any of the above factors against buying there, maybe give an internet shop a shot, but know what you're getting into. Do your research (like checking here and on other boards). (Shameless plug: WAMAS members have the great benefit of being able to get involved in group buys at various internet sites. Plus, members have access to lfs updates and posts, telling us whats hot, whats in stock and whats on sale, etc.).

 

So for those who aren't members, get a card

Edited September 25, 2007 by Biodork

[ReeferMan]

How long do they do Hypo for before they put them on the sales floor? I dont think people will contend that LFS "QT" but they contend that what they call "QT" isnt a true full QT. I know that some online vendors do have a true QT setup. I think bluezooaquatics has one if i remember correctly. I talked to a guy on the phone that was bragging about it and telling me the full details and i was quite surprised.

[flowerseller]

Chris makes my round a bout point by saying what constituits QT.

I can't buy into a few days in hypo and/or copper. No shop in particular is being singled out here.

Observation period would be a better discription, but not as effective a sale tactic.

 

The LFS that discusses with a potential customer and learns that they will likely fail and then declines the sale is what I like to see. Sorry, rarely see this and know first hand that a friend of mine was recently sold fish they can not, will not and did not keep alive.

 

But, when you order on line they never even ask so.....

 

BTW, a fat eating fish with good color can go south as soon as it's removed from the "observation "QT" if you will, period"

It's not much more than a sign of a fish that happens to exhibit good color and body weight.

 

The same can apply to a fish that looks thin and sickly but later becomes the oldest fish in the tank.

[ReeferMan]

Thanks for clearing this up Chip. I am not asking about a certain LFS i was asking as a whole about the LFS's that say they "QT", asking how long they "QT" without using the LFS's name.

[treesprite]

Thanks for all the comments - very helpful.

 

I think I'll restrict any fish purchases to other members and LFS. TFW has a 7 day 50% guarantee on salt water fish, but it's hard waiting for the sales, which is why internet prices look so tempting (there's a sale in October & the 3rd day is usually 30% off). I guess I'll restrict fish buys to members and LFS, though snails and crabs I may do online.