Mail Order/Cold Climate

[MNFishGuy]

I have never ordered a fish from online, but was thinking about giving it a try for a fish I can't get at my LFS. I am worried though because of the cold weather (I live in Minnesota). How do they make sure the fish don't freeze? What if you missed the UPS guy? Anybody have any experience they'd be willing to share to put some of my fears/questions to rest? Is this a bad idea?

Thanks!

[IndianMaidn]

HI,

I have ordered many fish from on line vendors for the same reason you want to, never had a problem. They are usually shipped overnight with a neat little nifty "heat pack" inside a styrofoam box. The UPS guy usually just left my package on my doorstep if I wasn't home. I knew when to expect the package so was never too far away. If it is left at your door, it will be fine there for a short period of time, the heat packs aren't big enough to heat that well for too long. Your fish will be garanteed by the company until it reaches it's destination, just make sure you won't be away too long on fish arrival day. I would say, from "my personal experiences", you should be fine.

[MNFishGuy]

Thank you, that makes me feel more confidant to give it a try...

[IndianMaidn]

I have also found, contrary to popular belief, that fish I buy on-line are for the most part more healthy than fish bought at the LFS. You figure, they are caught, shipped to the LFS, added to their tanks, netted again and put in your tank as apposed to caught, shipped to you. . . . . the end

[MNFishGuy]

Interesting, I can follow the logic, I'll give it a try! Thank you...