Shipping Policy
At SD Aquatics, we are committed to ensuring that your live plants, fish, and shrimp arrive safely and in excellent condition. Please review our shipping policy carefully to understand how we handle your orders.
Processing Time
Orders are processed within 1–3 business days after payment is confirmed. Processing times may vary depending on stock availability.
You will receive an email notification once your order has shipped, including tracking information.
Shipping Rates & Delivery Times
🌿 Live Plants / Shipping Options:
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on your location and selected speed.
USPS Ground Advantage (Standard)
USPS Priority Mail (Faster delivery)
UPS options available at checkout upon request
Free Shipping: Orders containing only live plants qualify for free shipping on orders over $50.
🐟 Live Fish
Flat Rate: All live fish orders ship for a flat rate of $25 via USPS Priority Mail.
Free Shipping: Live fish orders ship free on orders of $150 or more.
Shipping Days:
Standard live fish shipments go out on Monday and Tuesday to avoid weekend delays.
If you choose UPS 2-Day Air or Next Day Air at checkout, we can ship Monday through Thursday.
Shipping Method: USPS is our standard carrier for live fish. UPS options are available at checkout if you prefer faster delivery.
Packaging
All live plants, fish, and shrimp are carefully packed to ensure safe arrival. We use high-quality insulated packaging to protect your items during transit.
For plants, we carefully wrap them to prevent damage, and for fish, we ensure proper bagging with adequate oxygen levels.
Live Arrival Guarantee
We guarantee live arrival of your plants, fish, and shrimp if the package is delivered within the appropriate temperature range of 60°F–80°F.
If your order arrives dead-on-arrival (DOA), please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with 2 clear photos of the unopened bag. We will process a full refund or replacement for DOA items based on the photos and condition of the items.
Shipping Restrictions
We currently ship only within the United States. Unfortunately, we do not ship internationally at this time.
We do not ship to P.O. Boxes for live items due to the perishable nature of the products.
Order Modifications & Shipping Delays
If you need to modify your order after it has been placed, please contact us immediately. We can modify or cancel an order as long as it has not yet been processed or shipped.
Shipping delays can occur during peak seasons, adverse weather conditions, or due to carrier-related issues. We are not responsible for delays caused by shipping carriers.
Temperature Considerations
Live plants and fish are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Please ensure someone is available to receive your order upon delivery to avoid any temperature-related issues.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold), please adjust your shipping date accordingly to ensure your plants and fish arrive in good condition. You can contact us for assistance in choosing the best shipping time.
Refunds & Returns
Due to the perishable nature of our products, we do not accept returns or exchanges on live plants, fish, or shrimp.
If there are any issues with your order, please contact us immediately. We want to ensure that every customer is satisfied and will work with you to resolve any concerns.
Customer Responsibility
It is the customer’s responsibility to monitor weather conditions and ensure that live plants and animals are received promptly. If any issues arise due to delayed shipping or temperature concerns, we may not be able to offer a full refund or replacement.
If you have any further questions regarding our shipping policy, please don't hesitate to contact us.