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

🐟 Live Fish

Flat Rate: All live fish orders ship for a flat rate of $29.99 via USPS Priority Mail.

Free Shipping: Live fish orders ship free on orders of $250 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.

Snails DOA policy: 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.

  • Snail Behavior After Shipping:
    It's common for snails to remain inactive or stay inside their shells for up to 24 hours after arrival due to shipping stress. This does not mean they are dead. They need time to adjust and feel safe in their new environment. Gently placing them in your tank and being patient is often all it takes.
  • Live Arrival Guarantee Terms:
    In the rare event of a DOA (Dead on Arrival), I require the following for a refund or replacement:
    1. A clear photo of the snail next to the shipping label (with your address and the label visible), and
    2. Confirmation the snail is deceased, which can be shown by gently breaking the shell. This is a standard practice in the aquarium community to confirm DOA and prevent misunderstandings or fraud.

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.