Shipping an RBTA (Entacmaea quadricolor)

[sirjohn]

I am considering purchasing an RBTA (Entacmaea quadricolor) from liveaquaria.com. However, in the past I have tried to purchase anemones online (from other vendors) and they have not fared well during shipping, sometimes arriving with gaping mouths, a damaged foot and sometimes already expelling their zooanthelle.

My RBTA selection locally is limited so I would like to try online again. What can you tell me about liveaquaria.com's shipping procedures for RBTAs? In your experience, have you found ways to ship them with minimum stress to the animal?

I am in Miami, by the way, and it's summer (obviously), in case that makes a difference.

Thank you.

 

[dfs/la2]

Sirjohn,

We appreciate your interest in the anemones we offer. All of our fish, inverts, corals, plants and live rock are shipped directly from the wild or their breeders to be held in our aquatic centers. They wait in quarantine being fed high quality frozen foods and constantly inspected for illness.

Our shipping methods are by far the most reliable in the industry. Our aquatic life shipments are packed to withstand a 72 hour shipment in case of a delay, though the packages typically arrive directly to your door in less than 24 hours. Depending on weather conditions, we assure that the specimens have heat or ice packs if needed, which helps control the temperature inside their insulated box. In particular, we have found packing the anemones with extra water in their bags helps to regulate water temperature and chemistry. To help further reduce stress, we suggest doubling the acclimation time for anemones.

With these precautions, should you experience any problems with your order, it will also be covered by our 14 Day Guarantee.

Mike S.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith