Received Hot, Dead Phytoplankton from Algae Barn TWICE

gfinan · Jul 24, 2026

I'm fed up with Algae Barn. My first few orders with them in the winter and spring were fine. Now, in summer, I have had 2 separate shipments of phytoplankton arrive at my house hot and smelling like sulphur (aka dead phyto).

At first, I didn't know any better about the smell and I almost crashed my tank with the level of phosphates after using it.

I filed a complaint, and they offered me store credit. I figured maybe it was a fluke because it was extremely hot that week (95 where I live). However, today it was only in the mid 70s and it was still hot. Shipped with subpar insulation and one ****** ice pack that didn't stand a chance.

I'm just going to buy from my LFS in the future. Stay away from Algae Barn if whatever you buy needs to stay cold. My first shipment of phytoplankton was practically boiling. Absolutely ridiculous.

BasementBox · Jul 24, 2026

I think that complaining about this could be valid, but I also believe you should consider taking this privately to them. Let’s remember most of the stores are mom and pop establishments. Except our extreme overlord brs. That said for two poor deliveries, it really could be a fluke. Email them and take it up with them.

PapaFishRocks · Jul 24, 2026

Extreme overlord BRS.

BasementBox · Jul 24, 2026

PapaFishRocks said:
Extreme overlord BRS.

I mean… when you say brs it autolinks it…. Kinda all I need to know.

gfinan · Jul 24, 2026

BasementBox said:
I think that complaining about this could be valid, but I also believe you should consider taking this privately to them. Let’s remember most of the stores are mom and pop establishments. Except our extreme overlord brs. That said for two poor deliveries, it really could be a fluke. Email them and take it up with them.

I didn't mention it in this post because it wasn't a phyto delivery, but I ordered clean chaeto from them in another shipment and it died because it also was too hot. I have brought these temperature issues to them, and their response isn't to fix the issue or give me an actual refund, just store credit or get it reshipped. I don't think it is a fluke. I just don't think they care.

Also, I am deliberately posting this publicly because I hope other people learn from my mistakes here. I have also filed a claim with Algae Barn. I'm sure i will get the same response I got last time.