Shipping costs..

[LokiDawg]

New to this and just getting a general consensus..
Ive had very sensitive crystal shrimp ( the most sensitive freshwater species comparable with discus) send priority 2 day. Many many times.. In fact, once I had a shipping company flub and the most highly bred I've ever owned Sat overnight (3 days now) at the post office.. Not one loss..

Now I'm trying to order a cleanup crew.. Hermit Crabs a few shrimp and snails.. From what I understand, the most hardy creatures in this hobby.. Please educate me if i am wrong. But every online company I can find is forcing me to pay overnight shipping rates. Which is coming out to more than the animals I'm trying to buy. Not to mention. Shipping is not refunded with a DOA... So it's almost a lose lose..

Just looking for somewhere with reasonable shipping, or educate me that my thought process isnt correct. I do not believe it is. I would need some good evidence they wouldn't survive.
Anyways thanks all!!

 

[Coralmaniac21]

Buying online is only worth it if you buy alot of stuff because kf the shipping costs. Like i ordered 500$ in discus 27 babies and shipping was like 40$. But for a 20 or 50$ purchase it isnt worth it.

Go to petco or a local fish store or something and buy from them

 

[EmdeReef]

New to this and just getting a general consensus..
Ive had very sensitive crystal shrimp ( the most sensitive freshwater species comparable with discus) send priority 2 day. Many many times.. In fact, once I had a shipping company flub and the most highly bred I've ever owned Sat overnight (3 days now) at the post office.. Not one loss..

Now I'm trying to order a cleanup crew.. Hermit Crabs a few shrimp and snails.. From what I understand, the most hardy creatures in this hobby.. Please educate me if i am wrong. But every online company I can find is forcing me to pay overnight shipping rates. Which is coming out to more than the animals I'm trying to buy. Not to mention. Shipping is not refunded with a DOA... So it's almost a lose lose..

Just looking for somewhere with reasonable shipping, or educate me that my thought process isnt correct. I do not believe it is. I would need some good evidence they wouldn't survive.
Anyways thanks all!!

It would depend on a lot or factors including weather, delays, proximity to the shipper. In general it’s always best to do overnight and some places will give you free overnight if you order enough. IME 2-3 day shipping for anything but algae is a shot in the dark. I’ve received dead snails and crabs from reputable places shipped using 2-3 day mail too many times that now I insist on overnight.

 

[LokiDawg]

It would depend on a lot or factors including weather, delays, proximity to the shipper. In general it’s always best to do overnight and some places will give you free overnight if you order enough. IME 2-3 day shipping for anything but algae is a shot in the dark. I’ve received dead snails and crabs from reputable places shipped using 2-3 day mail too many times that now I insist on overnight.

I would rather pay $10 shipping and lose a few $1 snails or crabs and not have a guarantee..
Than on the opposite. Pay $50 shipping and have them refund the $20 in snails and me out $50 shipping.
See what I'm saying?
Not that this is my exact dilemma but its a crap shoot.

I understand spending the extra money for overnight for a specialty or expensive item. It would be foolhardy not to have the insurance..

But that is not my question..
Specifically, these very hardy or cheap aquaria.
Again Thank you for the input.

 

[GabeM]

Skip the shrimp for now and you can order at https://www.reefcleaners.org/ - assorted hermits don't require express.

John would also probably let you ship whatever via free priority as long as you take the hit for any DOA animals.

 

[EmdeReef]

I would rather pay $10 shipping and lose a few $1 snails or crabs and not have a guarantee..
Than on the opposite. Pay $50 shipping and have them refund the $20 in snails and me out $50 shipping.
See what I'm saying?
Not that this is my exact dilemma but its a crap shoot.

I understand spending the extra money for overnight for a specialty or expensive item. It would be foolhardy not to have the insurance..

But that is not my question..
Specifically, these very hardy or cheap aquaria.
Again Thank you for the input.

Ammonia builds up over time and animals die...including crabs, which are pretty sensitive to ammonia poisoning. Many inverts in fact succumb before fish whether they’re cheap or expensive. As said above if not ordering a significant quantity go to a LFS and buy a few.

 

[LokiDawg]

Ammonia builds up over time and animals die...including crabs, which are pretty sensitive to ammonia poisoning. Many inverts in fact succumb before fish whether they’re cheap or expensive. As said above if not ordering a significant quantity go to a LFS and buy a few.

Ok. I understand this. Ive been a planted aquarist for 20+ years.
I feel like saying I'm new, I also have to prove myself..
I just want to be clear for my own education.
That the most hardy saltwater animals are actually less hardy than the most sensitive freshwater invertebrate? Im asking an honest question.
Btw those blue crystal shrimp at 2cm long can sell for $20 to $100 depending on genetics. Highly quality, more sensitive.. And these pictured are of a higher quality.. These are the ones that sat for 3 days. Shipped priority a few years ago
I'm truly curious. I will do most of my shopping at the LFS if this is really the case.

 

[EmdeReef]

Yes in general saltwater creatures are much more sensitive than fw. You have temperature sensitivity which tends to be greater, salinity issues, and then ammonia and even nitrates which tend to be an issue for inverts much more than fish.

Keep in mind that those shippers probably instituted such policies for a reason after losing orders. As I said above I’ve had snails die when shipped 2-3 day priority mail.

Edit:
Also apologies if that was somehow implied but not questioning your fw or sw experience.

 

[LokiDawg]

Yes in general saltwater creatures are much more sensitive than fw. You have temperature sensitivity which tends to be greater, salinity issues, and then ammonia and even nitrates which tend to be an issue for inverts much more than fish.

Keep in mind that those shippers probably instituted such policies for a reason after losing orders. As I said above I’ve had snails die when shipped 2-3 day priority mail.

Edit:
Also apologies if that was somehow implied but not questioning your fw or sw experience.

Then I will stick to lfs unless I have a large order!
Thanks

 

[Biokabe]

Then I will stick to lfs unless I have a large order!
Thanks

That's generally a good policy.

FYI, there are a few online vendors that offer free overnight shipping at easier volumes. LiveAquaria offers free shipping at $99, and they also have a CUC special for free shipping at $75. Reef Cleaners offers free shipping at something like $55, and he'll do free shipping on even smaller orders if you pick up one of his pre-built kits. If you just need a few critters, Reef Cleaners is your best online option. LiveAquaria is good for a medium sized order. Beyond that, most free shipping offers kick in between $150-$250.