Livestock Policy
"Do you offer a guarantee with your fish?"
This is a hard question to answer, but here’s a response that we think is fair.
‘In the event of losing fish(es), we guarantee that we’ll offer support and advice, and we’ll also investigate the potential reasons behind the fish’s loss. When we have collectively agreed on the reason for the loss, we’ll work together to ensure that any issues are rectified to prevent further loss.’
At Wharf Aquatics we pride ourselves on being professional, honest and fair.
If we genuinely feel that we are at fault (we’re aware that nobody is infallible), we have no problem with holding our hands up, admitting fault and providing a replacement or refund.
If we genuinely feel that we are not at fault, we’ll fully explain our reasons and trust that you’d be accepting and understanding of them.
The safety and welfare of your fish is of great importance to us, and we will do everything within our power to ensure that your fish leave our premises in a healthy and safe manner. However, when your fish have left our premises there may be things happen that are beyond our control.
If you encounter any issues with your fish, we recommend contacting us at the very first opportunity.
"I’ve purchased my livestock, now what?"
We’ll package your order ready for its journey home – you might notice that we ask, ‘how long does it take you to get home?’
The duration of your journey home will determine how your order is packed. We welcome the idea of you bringing your own insulated bags and boxes. However, we’ll provide oxygen, polystyrene boxes and additional heat where we feel they’re necessary. What you can be sure of is, that your order is will be sufficiently packed for its journey home.
"OK, is there anything that I can do to assist with a safe journey home?"
Yes, for sure.
Livestock is sensitive to temperature changes, vibrations, bumps and tumbles etc., and oxygen depletion. With these things in mind, consider how problems may occur and what we can do to ensure that they are avoided.
Here are 2 possible scenarios that are likely to result in massively contrasting outcomes.
Scenario 1
You take your order and carefully secure it inside your vehicle. An ambient temperature is maintained that is favourable to the livestock that you have purchased (ensure that bags are not positioned in direct flow of heaters or air-conditioning units). You go straight home with minimal stops and make it a priority to start acclimatising your new livestock.
This scenario aims to keep vibrations to a minimum and avoids bumps and tumbles. The temperature is kept stable, and oxygen concerns are minimised. The acclimatisation procedure can begin with minimal prior stresses.
Scenario 2
Your take your order and place it on the back seat, where it is at risk of rolling around. Midway home, you decide to do the grocery shopping or visit friends & family and leave your order in the car for several hours. When home, you cut the knot off the bags and pour your livestock into its new environment.
This scenario exposes the livestock to unnecessary vibrations, bumps and tumbles. It also exposes the livestock to fluctuations in temperature and oxygen concerns. The lack of acclimatisation adds greater risk to an already compromised situation.
The above scenarios may sound a little-farfetched, but you’d be amazed at how easily things can be overlooked and where improvements can be made.
"I’m now at home with my order, safe and sound. What next?"
Acclimatisation!
Let’s assume that your water parameters have been checked and are suitable for the new additions. Now is the time to slowly acclimatise your new livestock into its new environment. To do this, we recommend the following steps:
1. Turn off the aquarium lights and float the sealed bags containing your new arrivals on the surface of the water for around 20 – 30 minutes to allow the water temperature to stabilise.
2. When the water temperature has equalised, open the bags and roll the tops back so they are still floating before adding a small amount of aquarium water using a container or by gently tilting the bags. Continue mixing water every few minutes for a further 10 - 15 minutes, before releasing your new fish by netting them from the bags. Certain spiny fish such as suckermouth catfish may be easier to transfer by hand. Remove the bags of shipping water for disposal.
3. Ensure that tank covers are in place after introducing new fish, as they may be more likely to jump when settling into a new environment.
4. Do not be too concerned if your new fish hide away for the first day or two or don’t seem interested in feeding straight away, this is not unusual when settling into a new environment (this can be especially true of larger predatory fish - we have known catfish, snakeheads and wolffish take weeks before resuming feeding).
Certain livestock may be more sensitive and benefit from being drip-acclimatised, but this will be communicated at the point of sale.
It is important to monitor your new additions to ensure that they have settled into their new environment, showing no signs of illness or ailment, and where a quarantine aquarium hasn’t been used, ensure that current stock is accepting of their new tankmates.
If you have any concerns about your new purchases, please contact us for advice at the very first opportunity.
For further information please contact us on 01773861255.