Shipping policy

Shipping Policy

At Houston Aqua, our priority is to ensure that your orders are processed and delivered efficiently and safely. Our shipping policy outlines the procedures we follow to deliver your purchases promptly.

General Shipping Information

  • Processing Time: Orders are verified, sourced, and packaged within 48 hours (Monday to Wednesday) after payment is received. We use a high-security checkout procedure to protect both our customers and our business, extending our processing time to up to 3 days.
  • Shipping Days: We ship live fish exclusively on Mondays to prevent them from being held in warehouses over the weekend. 
  • Shipping Methods:
    • Live Fish: Shipped via UPS, USPS or FedEx, using Overnight Shipping or 2-Day Shipping to ensure the safety and health of the livestock.
    • Dry Goods and Accessories: Shipped via USPS, typically arriving within 3-7 business days.
  • Shipping Restrictions: We do not ship live fish to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.

Combined Shipping

  • Combining Orders: We offer combined shipping for multiple items purchased within 3 days. This ensures that the bettas are not held for extended periods.
  • Shipping Discounts: Additional bettas are charged $5 each for shipping. To apply combined shipping discounts, please contact us for a combined invoice.
  • Prompt Shipping: We ship promptly to make room for incoming fish. If you will be unavailable during delivery, please arrange an alternative or wait to bid on future fish.

Packing and Handling

  • Livestock Packing:
    • Fish, shrimps, and snails are carefully bagged with adequate water and oxygen.
    • Shrimps include a plastic net mesh for security.
    • Bags are wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in foam boxes for temperature stability.
    • Foam boxes are then placed in parcel bags and sealed with fragile stickers.

Shipping Schedule

  • Monday: Focus on shipping all livestock orders.
  • No Livestock Shipping Thursday to Sunday: To prevent livestock from staying in courier warehouses over the weekend.

Additional Shipping Information

  • Delivery Time: Once dispatched, livestock typically arrive within 1-2 days using UPS or FedEx. Dry goods arrive within 3-7 business days via USPS.
  • Address Accuracy: Ensure your address is correct to avoid delays or issues with delivery.
  • Customer Responsibilities: Be present for the delivery of livestock orders to ensure their immediate care.

Important Notes

  • Refund Policy Adherence: We do not offer refunds if our policies are not followed. Please do not buy fish if you are unsure or do not accept all policies.
  • Photo Disclaimer: All photos are taken by our listing team, and the exact fish shown will be received. Lighting may affect color perception; fish may appear lighter or darker depending on your aquarium lighting.
  • Color Variation: Fish might arrive lacking color due to shipping stress. Colors will return once the fish settle. Marble gene fish may change color and markings over time.
  • Final Sale: All sales are final. No returns for fish.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need assistance with your order, please contact our customer service team through our Live Chat or email us at houstonaquallc@gmail.com. We are here to help and support you in every step of your fish-keeping journey.

Thank you for choosing Houston Aqua. Your satisfaction is our priority.