UPS rescheduled overnight delivery

[Reef5]

Last week, I received shipping confirmation from Dr. Reef that my $900+ order was scheduled for delivery today. I was so excited I could hardly sleep, but to my disappointment, I woke up to a UPS notification saying the delivery had been rescheduled for the next day. I don’t understand these companies—there’s no bad weather, and the package isn’t traveling far.

I even paid for insurance, hoping it would make them prioritize my shipment. I expect most of the fish will survive, but what should have been an easy transition is now an uphill battle to get them back to full health. From what I’ve read on this forum, shipping time makes a big difference in survival rates, both short- and mid-term.

It’s frustrating that even when you do everything right in this hobby, something still throws you a curveball. Makes me wonder if I should stick to buying locally, even though my LFS isn’t great. Sorry for the rant, but you always lend me an ear and I needed to vent a bit this frustration. Thank you.

 

[Naturalreef]

I have had UPS next day delivery show rescheduled multiple times and it was delivered on time. Not sure what the hiccup was, but I gave it a hour and it corrected itself. Hope that’s the case for you!

 

[Reef5]

I have had UPS next day delivery show rescheduled multiple times and it was delivered on time. Not sure what the hiccup was, but I gave it a hour and it corrected itself. Hope that’s the case for you!

I hope so too, but the tracking shows there was a late flight. I feel terrible for the animals. This is my first time receiving fish from Dr. Reef, and I really hope he ships them with plenty of water. Still, the thought of them being confined in a small bag for so many hours stresses me out. Some of the fish are delicate species, like a copperband, which can struggle even under perfect conditions.

 

[Wildcats1023]

Is it close enough to call ups and see if pick up is an option? I’ve done that before and was able to pick up delayed packages

 

[DCR]

Depending on the type of fish and how well they were packaged (how much water), there is a good chance they will survive the extra day. I have experienced fish surviving an extra day in transit due to delays. The cooler temperatures should help.

 

[exnisstech]

Here's hoping everything survives. Just be glad the good dr didn't talk you into Thursday shipping for Friday delivery.

 

[Tamberav]

I mostly try and order fish from venders near me so UPS can’t mess it up easily.

 

[JTP424]

I would definitely try to call them, stress the possibility of dead livestock stinking up their warehouse if you aren't able to receive the items today....

 

[Featherweight]

I'll bet you see the shipping updates to on time. This has happened on both my orders recently

 

[DanP-SD]

This may be small consolation but, in my experience, most fish will survive an extra day. When I’ve had delayed shipments, it’s usually the LPS corals and some inverts that seem to take it the worst. If the fish has enough water and air in the bag, it should be fine. Dr Reef usually packages well enough to make it longer.

I’d check with Dr Reef but, unless they advise otherwise, you should consider changing your acclimation protocol. I would find out their salinity, and either match your tank to it or mix up a bucket of water that matches it. Then I’d float the bag to temperature acclimate and, as soon as you open the bag, scoop the fish out and move it to the new water. Drip acclimation is not your friend here. The bag water will have a lot of ammonia but CO2 build up will lower the ph, which makes the ammonia less toxic. As soon as you open the bag and expose it to air, the ph starts to rise and the ammonia toxicity goes with it - so you want to get the fish out asap.

Some shippers include an ammonia neutralizer in their water. I believe Marine Collectors does. Others, like Ocean Devotion, recommend the procedure I describe above for all arrivals. I don’t recall what Dr Reef does so it’s worth checking.

 

[Reef5]

I contacted Dr. Reef this morning, and he said he was going to check with his UPS rep. He advised not to make any changes to the shipment at this time to avoid the risk of UPS delaying it by another day.

It’s frustrating to see that the package arrived in the city at 7 AM and since 9 AM shows processing at UPS, but hasn’t moved since. You’d think UPS would have a second shift to handle overnight shipments delayed due to missed flights, especially for packages scheduled for delivery before 12 PM. But it seems that once you pass their cutoff, they have no intention of delivering.

I’m still crossing my fingers, hoping to hear from Dr. Reef’s UPS rep so I can drive and pick up the box myself. That’s the only reason I’m not drinking away my nerves right now—lol.

 

[Reef5]

This may be small consolation but, in my experience, most fish will survive an extra day. When I’ve had delayed shipments, it’s usually the LPS corals and some inverts that seem to take it the worst. If the fish has enough water and air in the bag, it should be fine. Dr Reef usually packages well enough to make it longer.

I’d check with Dr Reef but, unless they advise otherwise, you should consider changing your acclimation protocol. I would find out their salinity, and either match your tank to it or mix up a bucket of water that matches it. Then I’d float the bag to temperature acclimate and, as soon as you open the bag, scoop the fish out and move it to the new water. Drip acclimation is not your friend here. The bag water will have a lot of ammonia but CO2 build up will lower the ph, which makes the ammonia less toxic. As soon as you open the bag and expose it to air, the ph starts to rise and the ammonia toxicity goes with it - so you want to get the fish out asap.

Some shippers include an ammonia neutralizer in their water. I believe Marine Collectors does. Others, like Ocean Devotion, recommend the procedure I describe above for all arrivals. I don’t recall what Dr Reef does so it’s worth checking.

I followed your advice and reached out to Dr. Reef for guidance on updating the acclimation protocol. I’ve kept my aquarium salinity on the lower side in preparation for these fish. If they’re shipped between 1.021 and 1.023, floating the bags for temperature adjustment and releasing them immediately upon opening should be fine. He confirmed that this approach is okay.

I believe his guarantee covers three days after arrival, as long as you document and send photos of any dead fish. Since finding a small fish in a complex rock structure is extremely difficult, some recommend placing new fish in an observation tank. However, I’m confident that my main display offers a better survival chance than a sterile tank. That said, if a fish arrives already too emaciated, I’m unsure of the best course of action. Ultimately, I think giving the fish the best survival chance should take priority over worrying about the guarantee.

Thank you again, everyone. Today has been a very upsetting day, so I truly appreciate your advice and encouragement.

 

[littlefoxx]

Last week, I received shipping confirmation from Dr. Reef that my $900+ order was scheduled for delivery today. I was so excited I could hardly sleep, but to my disappointment, I woke up to a UPS notification saying the delivery had been rescheduled for the next day. I don’t understand these companies—there’s no bad weather, and the package isn’t traveling far.

I even paid for insurance, hoping it would make them prioritize my shipment. I expect most of the fish will survive, but what should have been an easy transition is now an uphill battle to get them back to full health. From what I’ve read on this forum, shipping time makes a big difference in survival rates, both short- and mid-term.

It’s frustrating that even when you do everything right in this hobby, something still throws you a curveball. Makes me wonder if I should stick to buying locally, even though my LFS isn’t great. Sorry for the rant, but you always lend me an ear and I needed to vent a bit this frustration. Thank you.

I HATE UPS. They do that crap all the time and then give you the run around.

 

[DanP-SD]

I followed your advice and reached out to Dr. Reef for guidance on updating the acclimation protocol. I’ve kept my aquarium salinity on the lower side in preparation for these fish. If they’re shipped between 1.021 and 1.023, floating the bags for temperature adjustment and releasing them immediately upon opening should be fine. He confirmed that this approach is okay.

I believe his guarantee covers three days after arrival, as long as you document and send photos of any dead fish. Since finding a small fish in a complex rock structure is extremely difficult, some recommend placing new fish in an observation tank. However, I’m confident that my main display offers a better survival chance than a sterile tank. That said, if a fish arrives already too emaciated, I’m unsure of the best course of action. Ultimately, I think giving the fish the best survival chance should take priority over worrying about the guarantee.

Thank you again, everyone. Today has been a very upsetting day, so I truly appreciate your advice and encouragement.

I’m a big fan of acclimation boxes. It puts the fish in your reef-quality water (great if they’re disease free), gives them a chance to get over the stress of shipping without having to stake out territory in a big tank or deal with high flow, and it introduces them to their tank mates. On the off chance something goes wrong, you’ll see it and can pull them out. I’d highly encourage giving them a few days there before releasing into the tank.

 

[braaap]

I followed your advice and reached out to Dr. Reef for guidance on updating the acclimation protocol. I’ve kept my aquarium salinity on the lower side in preparation for these fish. If they’re shipped between 1.021 and 1.023, floating the bags for temperature adjustment and releasing them immediately upon opening should be fine. He confirmed that this approach is okay.

I believe his guarantee covers three days after arrival, as long as you document and send photos of any dead fish. Since finding a small fish in a complex rock structure is extremely difficult, some recommend placing new fish in an observation tank. However, I’m confident that my main display offers a better survival chance than a sterile tank. That said, if a fish arrives already too emaciated, I’m unsure of the best course of action. Ultimately, I think giving the fish the best survival chance should take priority over worrying about the guarantee.

Thank you again, everyone. Today has been a very upsetting day, so I truly appreciate your advice and encouragement.

His guarantee is so good that you won't have to worry. I've mentioned in just general email correspondence that a fish passed after several weeks and I need to replace it and next thing I know I have an order placed email from them. I ONLY buy fish from them and I will so long as they are in business.

That said don't stress it. They will cover it. But I would guess depending on species some should be fine.

 

[Stevorino]

I once had a coral shipment sent hours away at no fault of the vendor or my own...it happens.

Hopefully the fishies make it, but if they don't I'm sure that Dr Reef will make it right

 

[Reef5]

I received the package today, and unfortunately, it was not a good experience.

At first, I had some hope since it arrived in an oversized box, which I assumed meant plenty of water per fish. But upon opening it, I was disappointed. Only the CBB and the Singapore Angel had their bags intact—most of the other bags were leaking, and the fish inside were barely hanging on.

One fish arrived DOA, and two others are now floating in an observation box. I added an extra airstone, hoping the increased oxygen might help them recover.

I’m beyond frustrated with UPS. I already sent them feedback, though I doubt they’ll do anything about it.

Dr. Reef is the least at fault here, but I can’t help but wonder why so many of the bags were leaking. When properly packed, that shouldn’t happen. Could it be related to the extended transit time? The box itself looked relatively okay.

Right now, I’m just really upset. One of my biggest priorities was to minimize losses. My goal with this tank has never been to have the prettiest setup or the most impressive corals—it’s been about giving my fish a long, healthy life. And it feels like I’ve already failed.

 

[blazn]

I've purchased from Dr. Reef several times and I've always been extremely satisfied with his service & quality of fish. I can't imagine that he (Mike) won't take very good care of your situation, especially since you've already contacted him about the delayed shipping. It definitely sucks that the fish arrived in the condition you describe, but I'd be very surprised if Mike doesn't get you healthy replacements for those that perished due to bad shipping.

 

[exnisstech]

The bags should not leak regardless of the package being delayed or not. Im not saying the leaking bags are the cause of death but they should not leak at all.

 

[Rollnwthdatide]

I received the package today, and unfortunately, it was not a good experience.

At first, I had some hope since it arrived in an oversized box, which I assumed meant plenty of water per fish. But upon opening it, I was disappointed. Only the CBB and the Singapore Angel had their bags intact—most of the other bags were leaking, and the fish inside were barely hanging on.

One fish arrived DOA, and two others are now floating in an observation box. I added an extra airstone, hoping the increased oxygen might help them recover.

I’m beyond frustrated with UPS. I already sent them feedback, though I doubt they’ll do anything about it.

Dr. Reef is the least at fault here, but I can’t help but wonder why so many of the bags were leaking. When properly packed, that shouldn’t happen. Could it be related to the extended transit time? The box itself looked relatively okay.

Right now, I’m just really upset. One of my biggest priorities was to minimize losses. My goal with this tank has never been to have the prettiest setup or the most impressive corals—it’s been about giving my fish a long, healthy life. And it feels like I’ve already failed.

I did have Cuban Golden Basslet have a busted bag that was virtually empty. The fish was still alive, by a thread, but the thread didn't last long as he passed shortly after. Dr Reef then sent a replacement in a bag large enough for a tang and he made it fine. I'm not sure I'm a big fan of those fancy bags he uses to ship as they seem to be leak prone as another vendor I got something from had them and they were also leaking.