Close call with Live Aquaria

RalphsReef · Jun 5, 2011

I definitely understand the devil's advocate standpoint. However to me, and more appropriately the fish and coral, this is horrible. The fish and coral through no choice of their own have had to sit in a bag for 3+ days in Orlando heat. That is anything but good for them, and nobody can convince me otherwise. I definitely appreciate your optimism, and hope it helps.

For me, I have had to worry about it all weekend. I know LA will do the right thing, that has never been an issue. It is the fact that unnecessary suffering is taking place. The emergency retrieval kit is ready and waiting.

Do you ave any experience with fish and coral being delayed this long? Maybe if I were to hear accounts of it endoig positively, I would feel a little better. Thanks.

Aloha Corals · Jun 5, 2011

RalphsReef said:
I definitely understand the devil's advocate standpoint. However to me, and more appropriately the fish and coral, this is horrible. The fish and coral through no choice of their own have had to sit in a bag for 3+ days in Orlando heat. That is anything but good for them, and nobody can convince me otherwise. I definitely appreciate your optimism, and hope it helps.

For me, I have had to worry about it all weekend. I know LA will do the right thing, that has never been an issue. It is the fact that unnecessary suffering is taking place. The emergency retrieval kit is ready and waiting.

Do you ave any experience with fish and coral being delayed this long? Maybe if I were to hear accounts of it endoig positively, I would feel a little better. Thanks.

I understand and appreciate your concern, I've been in similar situations. We could point fingers all the way down the line. You for buying, LA for selling, Diver for collecting, etc...

As far as the fish... As mentioned, at the 3 day point the odds are not in your favor. We ship 100's of fish per month to places like France, England, Germany that take 36-60 hours to get to via air freight. There are no difference in DOA percentage from those places compared to Domestic shipping which can be as short as a 6 hour trip.

It's a crappy situation, i see it. Don't get me wrong... I'm sure LA will take very good care of you.

Kevin

RalphsReef · Jun 5, 2011

Kevin,
What are the DOA rates for 60 hours? I am just trying to prepare myself for tomorrow. I am sure the SPS will be toast. And believe it or not, there is no diver to blame in this situation, they were tank raised by Sanjay. I tried to PM him to let him know, but I haven't heard back.

Andy

Aloha Corals · Jun 5, 2011

RalphsReef said:
Kevin,
What are the DOA rates for 60 hours? I am just trying to prepare myself for tomorrow. I am sure the SPS will be toast. And believe it or not, there is no diver to blame in this situation, they were tank raised by Sanjay. I tried to PM him to let him know, but I haven't heard back.

Andy

3 to 5% DOA.

I agree, I'd be very surprised if the coral make it. The fish, a better chance. Keep us posted and good luck. I'll be following along to see how you make out.

Aloha,
Kevin

LittleDabOSalt · Jun 5, 2011

Keeping our fingers crossed for you. I'd be the same way as you are right now and can totally see where your coming from on the fish having no choice. Hopefully everything will turn out ok and all your worry will be for nothing. Sounds like your taking the right steps to do what you can for them when they arrive. Good luck.

RalphsReef · Jun 5, 2011

OK, thanks for the info Kevin. I will keep you apprised of the situation.

LittleDabOSalt (great screen name), thanks for the positive vibes. Hopefully tomorrow brings good news.

skinz78 · Jun 5, 2011

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you too! I recently had a clam in shipping for over 3 days and it did arrive back to me with almost zero water in the bag and what was there was probably about 60deg. The clam was alive but died the next day. All because of a problem brought on by Fed Ex, they denied my claim too.....

I would be very interested in seeing if LA placed anything on the package stating Sat delivery too. I know LA will do everything in their power to make you happy regardless of the outcome. Keep the faith though, those fish are hardy little devils and I think they will be fine.

RalphsReef · Jun 5, 2011

Skinz, I am certainly hoping so. Just one more night of agony and I get to see what happens. I plan on getting to the FedEx station at around 7:30. That stinks about your clam. As far as I know, FedEx will deny a saltwater livestock claim every time. Twice years ago I had a weekday delay, in which the package was weather delayed by an entire day. They were acans, and did OK. I was on edge then, but this episode has taken it to new heights!

I am very doubtful that LA put any type of Saturday Delivery markings, or checked the box for it on the air waybill. I will know 100% for sure tomorrow, but having worked at FedEx in the early 2000's, they were all over us about botching Saturday Deliveries. You got a serious spanking if you picked up a SDR package on Friday afternoon and failed to take note of it, causing a delay.

novazul1 · Jun 5, 2011

Don't worry ...I got the same problem but i got refund from LA without any question......They have very good reputation

Netta Fish · Jun 6, 2011

any update?

Reef UP · Jun 6, 2011

 crossing my fingers on this One

spscrazy · Jun 6, 2011

did you get your package yet have been worrying for your critters

RalphsReef · Jun 6, 2011

Thank you everyone for your concern. I am pleased to announce that the fish and coral were alive when I got to FedEx this morning! I am still cautious, but I think they will be OK. The millepora is very pale, but is showing good polyp extension. I have the clowns in a dedicated QT, and the both ate a little after just an hour or so in the QT.

I would also like to point out the LA has been in touch to check on the status of the shipment. I have never doubted that they would do the right thing, as I have had at least a dozen great experiences with them.

So, I think I will actually be able to sleep tonight knowing they survived their ordeal.

Thank you again to all of you who wished them well and expressed concern. I will keep you posted!