How are the fish caught?

All of our fish and livestock are caught by hand with a net and no chemicals are ever used to stun the fish. In addition we do not bring in fish from areas where destructive fishing methods are used; both to ensure the longevity of the fish in hobbyist’s aquariums, as well as to prevent the destruction of the earth’s valuable reef ecosystems.

Where do you ship to?

Currently SeaLifeDirect.com only ships within the United States. However, if you would like to place a special order please contact us directly either through phone or e-mail. Orders shipped to Alaska will have an additional $30 added to our current shipping prices.

Do you have an “Arrive Alive” guarantee?

Yes, we offer a five day "Arrive Alive" guarantee on all marine life. This guarantees that all marine life that leaves our tanks will arrive alive and remain alive for at least 5 days. Although SeaLifeDirect.com strives to ensure the safe and healthy arrival of every shipment some exceptions do apply. Proper acclimation will help to address any issues that may arise during shipping. If after proper acclimation, your marine life purchase dies, SeaLifeDirect.com will issue you a store credit which may be used for a future purchase or free replacement (excluding packaging & shipping.)

What is your return policy?

We do not allow the return of livestock or synthetic corals. This is done to protect the lives of the fish and animals, which have no chance of survival unless, packaged properly, including the use of oxygen. If you are not satisfied with the livestock that we sent to you, please contact our Customer Service Department at customercare@sealifedirect.com.

How soon will I receive my fish?

In the interest of meeting your schedule, if 70% of your order is in stock, it will be shipped. Any missing items or substitutions will be marked on your order and your total will be adjusted accordingly. If you would prefer to be contacted if we are missing items, please let us know when placing your order in the comment field. However, this may delay your order. Due to the nature of our products, we cannot back order live animals.

What is your shipping charge?

Up to $199.99 => $69.99 flat rate shipping

$200 - $499.99 => $39.99 flat rate shipping

$500 and above => enjoy FREE shipping

How do you ship the fish?

We ship nationwide year-round via FedEx. Shipments are sent to the FedEx holding facility nearest you and are generally available for pick up in the morning in most areas.

SeaLifeDirect.com ships packages in insulated boxes with heat or cool packs to protect the animals inside against extreme temperature shifts. However, there will be a difference between the temperature in the package and in your tank. Proper acclimation will help to equalize the two in a way to minimize stress.

How do I acclimate the fish to my tank?

SeaLifeDirect.com makes every effort to ensure the safe and healthy arrival of your order; however, the very act of shipping will place a tremendous amount of stress on the livestock. Please follow the acclimation instructions below to achieve the best results.

We ship packages in insulated boxes with heat or cool packs to protect the animals inside against extreme temperature shifts. However, there will be a difference between the temperature in the package and in your tank. Proper acclimation will help to equalize the two in a way to minimize stress.

It is very likely that your order will arrive to you with a different salinity than what your tank is adjusted to. A sudden change in salinity may shock the fish or coral and leave them more susceptible to infection or disease. SeaLifeDirect.com recommends a salinity of around 1.019-1.023 for fish only systems with a slightly higher salinity of 1.024-1.026 for reef tanks. During shipping, the natural metabolic processes of the fish and coral will release toxic ammonia and carbon dioxide into the water, lowering the pH of the water. At lower ranges, harmful ammonia will be transformed into an inter form ammonium. If the pH is suddenly raised, the ammonium will release the ammonia and can harm the animals. Proper acclimation helps to raise the pH slowly, releasing and removing ammonia safely.

All new fish should be quarantined for at least 14 days prior to introduction to your display tank. It is becoming increasingly important to quarantine invertebrates and corals to avoid the introduction of pests and disease to your display. Quarantine invertebrates and corals separately from fish, to observe their health and inspect them for the presence of parasites.

Can I choose the size of my fish?

Yes, after you have completed your order please email customercare@sealifedirect.com with your order number and size request. If the size you prefer is in stock we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

Will tax be added to the cost of my order?

No, we do not charge sales tax on purchases whose destination address is outside of the state of Hawaii. All purchases shipped within the state of Hawaii will be charged state sales tax however.

Is there a minimum order amount?

Yes, the subtotal of your purchase must be $75 or greater. Remember, all purchases of $500 or more qualify for free shipping!

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