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NOTE: I prefer to ship via UPS for all of my shipping needs. However, FedExpress may be requested ONLY for business addresses and HOLD AT LOCATION shipments. This is due to the FedExpress contract guidelines that prohibit shipping live fish to residential addresses. I know many businesses break this rule but I choose not too.
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Please be aware that the juveniles I sell are only 5-6 months and are all still small at 1 to 1.5 inches long. They will continue to develop the black coloration for the next year or so and possibly the white as well.
Their small size demands a few requirements of your system. Because they can slip through openings larger fish cannot and get blown around by strong powerheads/pumps found in many reef tanks, it is important to cover overflows with appropriate screening and reduce water turbulance. If you are unable to make these changes, please refrain from buying them.
SHIPPING:
Shipping cost is a flat rate of $50 (1-10 fish) within US & Hawaii.
$(request rate) to overseas destinations (1-10 fish).
Flat rates Include UPS Next Day Air (by 10:30am to most locations), insulated styrofoam box, and heat or cold packs as needed.
**Now shipping within the Continental US & Hawaii, as well as overseas destinations - Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.. Please ask for shipping quote**
Anyone purchasing from outside of the USA must meet the following:
1) Must be a retail fish business with a web site and/or store.
2) Minimum orders of one BOX (TEN Picassos).
3) Must have a Paypal account or major credit card.
My preferred shipping days are Mondays and Wednesdays but other arrangements can be made if necessary. Saturday delivery is available for an additional $15 fee.
ACCLIMATION:
When receiving these picassos that have endured a long transport (overnight service) please remember that they have been in the dark for 12+ hours. PLEASE open the box under dim lighting so they can acclimate to the light slowly. Also turn off the aquarium lights for a few hours.
Never acclimate while they are in the Kordon Breathing bags. Doing so can suffocate them.
Remove the fish to another bag or container during acclimation.
The salinity & pH of the aquarium that your fish came from are probably different than the salinity & pH in your quarantine tank. The temperature will also be different and the water quality will be very poor.
Given all these differences between the shipping water and your QT, it is easy to see that the transition should be slow.
Testing the water the fish were shipped in and comparing it to the water in the QT for pH & salinity will let you know how slow to go.
FLOAT METHOD:
Floating the fish in a bag or container (NOT the breathing bag it was shipped in) inside the QT. Remove the bag seal and add 1/2 cup of aquarium water every 10-15 minuets until water volume has doubled; empty one-half the bag down the drain. DO NOT POUR WATER INTO AQUARIUM.
Repeat at least once.
Net the fish and add it to your tank.
DRIP METHOD:
Over the course of an hour or more, you will drip QT water into the holding container with the new fish and shipping water. Use a piece of plastic tubing or “drip line” long enough to reach from the tank to the holding container. Tie two overhand knots in the tubing, you control the drip rate (the tighter the knots, the slower the drip). Create a siphon (by sucking on the end of the tube) to drain water from your tank into the holding container. Adjust the drip rate to 2-4 drips per second.
Once the water volume in the holding container doubles, remove half of it, and repeat the process. Most fish will be ready to introduce to your tank after two complete cycles. Net the fish and add it to your tank.
Quarantine! My fish are disease free but quarantining is always a good idea. It will allow your fish to acclimate to its new home and foods. You will also be better able to determine if it is eating well.
The above recommendations are very important and should not be ignored. Following these guidelines will help ensure your new acquisition the best chance for a stress free introduction and a strong start with its new family.
I offer a FIVE DAY guarantee that includes replacement fish but NOT shipping costs.
It is your responsibiltiy to contact me within 5 days of delivery of any dead fishes. Failure to do so will VOID the guarantee.
**Photos are required to validate this guarantee.
**The photos must show the deceased fish in a container of water.
Once these criteria are met, a credit will be given for the cost of the fish.
Shipping charges are not refundable.
