Information

When We Ship

• Orders ship Monday and Tuesday only to help ensure delivery before the weekend, even if delays occur
• Our weekly order cutoff is Monday at 5pm EST. In rare cases, orders placed on Monday may not ship the next day, and we will always communicate if that happens
• Orders placed after the cutoff will ship the following week
• We may adjust shipping timing based on collection trips, weather conditions, or transit risks

If you are looking for arrival policies, please visit our Live Arrival Guarantee page.

How We Ship

We ship with one priority:
Your order arrives healthy, stable, and ready for your tank.

Shipping options are automatically shown at checkout based on your location and what is in your cart.

• Standard Livestock: Most macroalgae and hardy invertebrates are well suited for Express Shipping (1 to 2 Business Day Arrival), though you are always welcome to choose Overnight Delivery if you prefer
• Sensitive Species: More sensitive species will only show Overnight Delivery. If Overnight is the only option available, it is because that is the safest method for that item
• Mixed Orders: Orders will automatically default to a shipping method that ensures everything arrives safely

We make these decisions based on experience and what consistently gets your order to you in great shape.

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and what is in your cart.

Most orders fall within a predictable range:

• Express Shipping typically falls in the $35 to $45 range
• Overnight Delivery typically falls in the $45 to $60 range

You will always see your exact shipping cost before completing your order. No surprises at the end, we promise.

We have a $26 order minimum to ensure each shipment is packed efficiently and arrives in good condition.

Packing and Shipping

Every order is packed using methods refined over years of hands-on experience collecting, handling, and shipping marine life.

• Orders are packed in an insulated cooler, placed inside a sturdy cardboard box
• Algae is shipped fully submerged in water, never damp. This creates a natural thermal buffer, helping keep temperatures more stable during transit
• Invertebrates are shipped either damp or in water, depending on what experience has shown is best for that species
• Invertebrates are packed with pure oxygen
• All items are double bagged and secured with a clip
• Heat or cold packs are included based on current weather conditions
• We pack generous, healthy portions, not trimmed down to reduce shipping dimensions and weight

Every box is packed by hand with attention to detail at every step. It takes more time and materials, and it makes a difference!

What This Looks Like

Example of typical portion size, shipped fully submerged in water.

                                                                                                                                         

We pack with an insulated cooler inside a cardboard box with temperature control.

                                                                                                                                         

Double bagged to prevent leaks + temperature control buffered and placed strategically.

                                                                                                                                         

California Restrictions

Due to state regulations, we are unable to ship any species of Caulerpa to California.

• Orders containing Caulerpa will not be eligible for checkout with a California shipping address
• We are always happy to suggest alternative species if needed

Questions

If you have questions about shipping timing, weather, or what option is best for your order, feel free to reach out.

We are always happy to help. We are hobbyists too and want your tank to thrive.