Bad News on the Fish Front

[Jill]

Hi, Folks --

H and I have the aquarium bug SO bad. We have a lot of tanks going including some pretty large ones.

On Monday, after asking fish people and the seller about the wisdom of shipping in the holiday season, I ordered 3 "Kirin Parrot Cichlids" which are blood parrot x bonsai flowerhorn super hybrids. They were coming from a reputable seller in CA to me in VA and were sent overnight on Thursday to arrive on Friday.

I sat home all day yesterday waiting for the three Kirins, which were to arrive by 4:30. I called FedEx yesterday and some specialist for them called me back. She was a ditz! She told me they'd call me this morning to let me know if it's possible to get them to me today (but we're in the middle of a blizzard that should continue all day). I told her they might not survive and she said "Okay" all cheerful which made me angry. I said "no, it's not okay. They're living animals and it's not "okay" that they might die because of you all didn't get them here. Plus, they were expensive." I told her what they cost and the shipping and handling. Obviously, though, I am most concerned for the fish.

*sigh*

On one hand, they are "just" fish. On the other hand, these types of fish really approach the level of household pets. Until getting our three "regular" blood parrot cichlids, I would never have thought a fish could be so pet like, but these kind truly are. I feel so sad knowing they're probably (almost surely) going to die.

FedEx will, you better believe, reimburse me for the costs ($140) and I do think the seller has more he will send to me -- after the holidays! Still, it is a total bummer. It looks as if the Kirins are still stuck in Indianapolis, and we are getting, basically, a blizzard which is to continue all day. At the end of it, we'll have up to two feet of snow, which is not typical for VA. As a point of reference, a HUGE state snow plow with a full load just got stuck on our road, blocking both lanes of (non existent) traffic.

Thanks for listening,

Jill

PS Here's a bad picture of what I was waiting on:

 

[Kim~Crayonboxminiatures]

Oh bummer Jill!! What a disappointment, but I feel bad for the fish too.

 

[miniwhinny]

We've ordered livestock many times for our saltwater tanks but we never order anything in the winter months. Even with heat packs it's just not worth the risk should a shipment be delayed. Poor fish

 

[Jill]

Thanks, Kim. I feel very bad for the fish, too. However, some hope as one of the people who has ordered many times through regular mail just told me she got fish 9 days after shipment (!!!) and they arrived alive. So I was happy to hear there is some hope after all.

We've ordered livestock many times for our saltwater tanks but we never order anything in the winter months. Even with heat packs it's just not worth the risk should a shipment be delayed. Poor fish

Miniwhinny, I actually opened the topic of shipping this time of year up on a forum like this, but for fish. The experts all said it should be fine. Additionally, I've had two other shipments of fish that went well in cooler months -- and those were shipped via USPS Priority (2-3 day). These fish were to come Overnight. As you know if you've ordered tropical fish, they come in a cooler and with heat packs. But thanks for sharing an opinion.

 

[Sterling]

I hope your fish arrive all ok and safe Jill. Hearing how much you love these little critters has given me the interest in getting one one day soon.

 

[luv2ridesaddleseat]

Oh Jill, I'm so sorry.

Hopefully they will be ok. Yes, we do fall in love with these guys. years ago, I had an oscar that I raised from a tiny baby. I could put my hand in the tank, he would come over and rub up against my fingers. The neighbors would come over and watch him take food from my hand. He got to be almost a foot long, and one morning I woke up and he was dead infront of the tv. Yes, there was a cover on the tank too. He must have flopped about 35 feet from the tank. I was devistated..... Anyway, lets hope and say a prayer, your new babies will be just fine. Let us know!

 

[Katiean]

If your area gets their panties all tied in a knot like they do around here when it snows (we still have snow from almost 2 weeks ago(not the norm for hear either)) They will never get out to you. Sorry. I do hope for the fish sake they do at least attempt it.

 

[user 488]

I actually opened the topic of shipping this time of year up on a forum like this, but for fish. The experts all said it should be fine. Additionally, I've had two other shipments of fish that went well in cooler months -- and those were shipped via USPS Priority (2-3 day). These fish were to come Overnight. As you know if you've ordered tropical fish, they come in a cooler and with heat packs. But thanks for sharing an opinion.

Jill, I did not take part in that topic but I had salt water tanks for YEARS until recently. Of course fish are shipped in the colder months. How do you (and I don't mean you personally Jill) think that pet stores and aquarium supply wholesalers get their inventory? Yes, fish are going to be lost in shipment and some will die but that would happen in the hotter months as well. I am very good friends with a salt water supplier and it is just the nature of the beast.

I am sorry there was a mix up. It happened to me too. It all turned out OK though.

 

[Jill]

Thanks, ladies!

FedEx did not call me this morning as they said they would -- not that I'm surprised. I had said the fish were stopped in Indiana but I was mixed up. It appears when I look at their tracking site, they have been stuck in TN (but were in Indiana for a short time).

And, yes, of course fish are shipped in cold weather. They don't swim to the fish stores

( ( ( thanks, Carol

) ) )

I hope mine will be alive when they arrive. I think it all hinges on how long the heat packs will last and how warm the FedEx facility is. I haven't heard from the seller who may not keep business hours on the weekend. Poor fish. I really hope they will make it.

Jill

 

[miniwhinny]

Of course fish are shipped in cold weather - all the time to LFS's. It just prudent if you know there's extremely harsh conditions to wait until it passes. The good thing in their favor is that they are freshwater and not salt...they can tolerate way worse conditions...it's not just the temperature but the lack of oxygen in the water. Freshwater fish can take huge swings in conditions compared to saltwater.

 

[Jill]

No real news on the Kirin Parrot Fish front. Hoping they get here tomorrow, and that they will be alive. The seller seems to think it's likely. And he does have more I think... Still, I am routing for these guys to be okay.

Some GOOD fish news did happen today, though. I bought a "new" tank on eBay. We've been wanting another 75g (last new big tank) but it hasn't been easy to find a stand we like. We have a gorgeous one under our current 75g, but couldn't find anything that would work with our style of furniture, etc., in the stores. Last night, I saw this tank (below) on eBay and it is really pretty. I decided to bid and got it for $405 (less than I was willing to spend). PLUS the seller is deliverying it to us for free tomorrow around 4pm. Yay!!! It will be the home to our existing fancy goldfish, who currently live in a 55g tank (we're then getting a short bodied flowerhorn for the 55g the goldfish are currently in). The tank comes with heaters, nets, HOB filters, powerhead, decorations, and lots of testing and chemical supplies. Not sure how much (if any) of the stuff I'll use beyond the tank, stand and canopy but those things were worth more than the price to me. And, I already ordered the filters I want on it (used to them and like them... plus I can pull the Super Cartridge / Cell Pore (non-consumable) filters out of existing tanks to cycle the new one instantly):

 

[susanne]

I'm so sorry you and your fish are going through this, Jill -- there's no question that fish truly become beloved pets, and anyone with half a brain and half a heart would ache to hear of any creature suffering.

The FedEx airhead needs a lesson in public relations! The FedEx trucks were, along with a number of big trucks, refused passage through the Columbia River Gorge due to freezing rain last week. They interviewed one FedEx trucker, who said he was sick thinking of kids who might not get their Christmas presents. Whether or not he was totally sincere, it gave a warmer, fuzzier feeling about FedEx than your experience!

I do find it interesting that, while virtually all nurseries refuse to ship sensitive plants in times of extreme cold or heat, the fish supply companies find nothing wrong with it.

I think I'd be angry with them as well as with FedEX.

 

[luv2ridesaddleseat]

Jill the new tank is GORGEOUS!!!! You could probably e-bay back the stuff you wont use! I'm praying the fish make is safe to you tomorrow, and I will be checking this thread every minute!!!

 

[Jill]

Thanks, ladies

I do find it interesting that, while virtually all nurseries refuse to ship sensitive plants in times of extreme cold or heat, the fish supply companies find nothing wrong with it.I think I'd be angry with them as well as with FedEX.

I think it's because the fish are easier to put into breather bags, coolers and keep warm w/ heater packs. The plants are probably actually more fragile and less "packable". I know it sounds extreme, but it actually happens every day that fish are shipped through the mail or by couriers. There is even a site like eBay but for fish (Aquabid.com). Who knew?!?!

 

[Maxi'sMinis]

Jill I'm pullin for ya. Hope your new scaly friends make it to you safe and sound.

 

[Mona]

Here's hoping your fish, even though late, will make it to you ALIVE!!

 

[Jill]

Thanks, Ladies. The FedEx site now shows the fish are in Richmond -- So I'm guessing they will arrive here today. Sure hope they are okay!!!!

 

[luv2ridesaddleseat]

Jeepers, what a nightmare! Can't wait for them to arrive and safe!!!

 

[WhiteTailsMinis]

'tis the season so this just has to have a happy ending!

Nice new setup too - I say you defiitely have the "bug" ..... very impresssive - your new fish hobby has totally taken off! LOL

Merry Christmas!

 

[Sterling]

Ok we're all sitting on pins and needles....Jill keep us updated. I hope the little darlings arrive all well and rested.