FAQ's & Information
Crafted for Aquatic Excellence
Got Fish Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this guide is here to answer your most common questions about breeding, care, and raising healthy fish.
From setting up the perfect environment to understanding breeding behaviors, you’ll find clear, practical advice to help your aquatic life thrive.
Delivery FAQ's
Why are overnight ‘livestock’ deliveries expensive?
There are two main overnight carriers who are licenced to transport livestock in the UK. These are APC & DX Freight. Both charge the same amount, which is then on costed as billed to us. We do not profit from this at all. We know this is expensive which is why we also offer a ‘free of charge’ service on orders over £100.00, a cheaper service for all local deliveries, and the option to collect from us.
How long does delivery take?
All livestock (fish) are shipped on a Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday, for delivery AM the following day. i.e. orders placed on a Tuesday will arrive AM on a Wednesday, and so on. For local deliveries, we deliver between 5pm & 8pm, the day the order is received. Food, Plants, Shrimp & Snails are shipped that day for delivery the following day.
Do you deliver live fish safely?
We take great care to ensure your fish arrive safely and in excellent condition. Each order is: 1. Packed just prior to our carrier collecting 2. Shipped using a next-day AM delivery service to minimise time in transit 3. Placed in specialist rounded bags to prevent injury 4. Supplied with oxygen-rich water (1/3 water, 2/3 oxygen) 5. Double-bagged for added protection 6. Secured inside an insulated polystyrene box to maintain temperature 7. Cushioned with protective packaging to prevent movement 8. Clearly labelled with handling instructions 9. We also include care guidance to help you settle your new fish in safely
What happens if livestock arrives dead?
We’re confident in the quality of our fish and the care we take when packing every order. That’s why we offer a Live Arrival Guarantee—so you can order with confidence. If, in the unlikely event, any fish arrive deceased (DOA), we will happily offer a refund for those items.
Can I choose my delivery date?
Yes, you can. all you need do is select the delivery date when placing your order.
Do you deliver nationwide?
As well as providing local services, nationwide deliver is ‘what we do’. There are some outer lying areas of the Country that may not be able to ship livestock to however due to the amount of time it may take to reach its destination.
Livestock FAQ's
Are your fish quarantined?
Our primary focus is to breed high quality fish so quarantining these is not an issue. General health and condition is constantly monitored to ensure the fish are happy & healthy. We do provide a range of varieties however, some of which need to be purchased from suppliers. Once received, the fish are acclimatised and isolation in separate tanks for a minimum 1 week. Condition and health are monitored, and any showing signs of stress or illness are treated accordingly and kept in isolation until they fully recover.
What water parameters are your fish kept in?
This can differ dependant on the species you are keeping but generally the below conditions will suit most. Its important to check any specific requirements prior to purchase. Temperature: 24°C–28°C is ideal for most, though some thrive at 72–82°F. pH: 6.5–7.5 is the general, safe range for community tanks. Ammonia (\(NH_{3}\)): 0 ppm. Nitrite (\(NO_{2}\)): 0 ppm. Nitrate (\(NO_{3}\)): Generally
How should I acclimatise new fish?
Float the Bag: Float the sealed plastic bag containing the new fish in your aquarium water for 15 to 20 minutes to equalise temperatures. Add Tank Water: Open the bag. Add half a cup of aquarium water into the bag. Repeat this every 5 minutes for 15 minutes. Net the Fish: Place a net over a bucket. Pour the bag contents through the net to catch the fish. Release the Fish: Gently place the netted fish into your aquarium. Discard Bag Water: Discard the water in the bucket. Never pour transport water into your aquarium to avoid transferring parasites or bacteria.
Can different species live together?
Yes & No – A lot of species are peaceful community fish that live together in perfect harmony, however some such as certain cichlids can be classed as aggressive or semi aggressive. This is especially prevalent if you have a male and female breeding pair as their instinct is to defend their chosen area / eggs. Some ‘community’ fish can nip the tails of others or show more dominant behaviours, but as with people all fish have their own personality and like their own space at times. Plants, caves, decorations etc, provide suitable environments when your fish need to take some time out. All our fish are described as either being peaceful, semi aggressive or aggressive and we are always on hand to advise if you have any questions.
What size tank do I need?
MTS (multiple tank syndrome) is a recognised symptom in the fish world. We all start off small, gradually increasing and if space allows, often buy multi tanks. Some of us (mentioning no names), start a fish business but that’s another story altogether. It all depends on what fish you would like to keep, what space you have and how much time you can spare for the upkeep. Larger tanks with the right filtration system, lighting and heater are easier to maintain than the smaller ones as the water parameters tend not to fluctuate as much. Regular maintenance and water testing is essential though. The important thing is to invest wisely in these items, as these play a vital role in keeping the condition of your water at an optimal level, which like the air we breathe, is the environment your fish live in. From 25ltrs to 590ltrs plus, there is a tank to meet all needs, and we are happy to advise if you have any questions.
