Aquariums usually process in one to three business days and commonly need two to four weeks for delivery.

Aquariums are typically processed within one to three business days and generally arrive in two to four weeks, unless the product page states a different lead time.
Manufacturer inventory, model availability, freight scheduling, destination access, and appointment coordination can extend the timeline. The freight carrier contacts the recipient when delivery scheduling is required.

How long does aquarium freight delivery take?

Inspect the aquarium and freight packaging before accepting the delivery.

Be present for the delivery and inspect the shipment before the carrier leaves.
<ul>
<li>Check the carton, pallet, glass, cabinet, stand, and visible components.</li>
<li>Photograph the shipment from several angles before removing packaging.</li>
<li>Note visible damage on the carrier&apos;s delivery receipt.</li>
<li>Keep the pallet, carton, and packing materials while a claim is reviewed.</li>
</ul>
Report aquarium freight damage within 24 hours.

How should I inspect an aquarium freight delivery?

Document aquarium damage immediately and report it within 24 hours.

Take clear photos of the aquarium, cabinet or stand, outer packaging, pallet, labels, and the specific damage. Note visible damage on the freight receipt before the driver leaves whenever possible.
Report the issue within 24 hours of receipt. Aquarium and drop-ship damage claims must follow the manufacturer&apos;s support process, and claims outside the inspection window may be declined.
Need help? Contact our team as soon as possible with your order number and the email used at checkout. <a href="https://topshelfaquatics.com/pages/contact">Contact Top Shelf Aquatics</a>.

What should I do if an aquarium arrives damaged?

Aquarium cancellations may be unavailable after manufacturer processing begins.

Contact us immediately. Once an aquarium has been submitted to the manufacturer, it generally cannot be canceled.
If a post-submission cancellation is approved, the manufacturer may charge a non-refundable cancellation fee ranging from 10% of the order total up to $500. The exact fee depends on the manufacturer and fulfillment stage.

Can I cancel an aquarium after ordering it?

Freight carriers may charge storage, rerouting, or return-to-sender fees.

If a freight shipment cannot be accepted as scheduled, carrier charges can include:
<ul>
<li>$50 per day for storage or holding</li>
<li>$150 reroute fee plus additional freight cost</li>
<li>$500 return-to-sender fee</li>
</ul>
These are carrier charges and are passed through to the customer when incurred. Confirm the address, access requirements, and appointment availability before delivery.

What fees apply if I miss or refuse a freight delivery?

Freight aquariums, large systems, and similar products are excluded from standard free-shipping offers.

No. Freight products such as larger aquariums, tank systems, and sumps do not qualify for standard free ground or overnight shipping promotions. Their product descriptions identify freight or drop-ship handling.
The checkout total or a team member will provide the applicable delivery charge and process.

Do aquariums and freight items qualify for free shipping?

Online Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

407-677-REEF

topshelfaquatics

Aquariums & Freight Delivery

Do you guys sell freshwater livestock?

When will I receive my livestock order?

Do you offer Saturday delivery?

I purchased dry goods that qualify for free shipping, do I have to pay for shipping on my livestock order?

Do you have an “arrive alive guarantee”?

I paid for overnight shipping, why did my order not arrive overnight?

Is there a cut off time for same day shipping?

I ordered dry goods that qualify for TSA Xpress on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, will I receive them the next day?

Are your fish quarantined?

Are your inverts quarantined?

Frequently Asked Questions

Livestock

Aquarium Supplies

TSA Shipping Policy

Returns and Refunds

Livestock Corals

Live Sale

Alive Arrival Guarantee

Returns and Refunds for Supplies

Additional Notes for All Supplies Shipments & Returns

We do not accept

Shipping Damage

Manufacturer Defects & Warranties

Refund policy

How do I track my Top Shelf Aquatics order?

Can I change my shipping address after placing an order?

Can I add an item to an order I already placed?

Can Top Shelf Aquatics combine two separate orders?

Why did my order arrive in more than one shipment?

What happens if I entered the wrong address at checkout?

What information should I send when asking about an order?

Are shipping and delivery charges refundable?

Orders & Checkout

How much does livestock shipping cost?

How do I qualify for free overnight livestock shipping?

What days does Top Shelf Aquatics ship livestock?

How do I select or change my livestock delivery date?

Does Top Shelf Aquatics offer Saturday livestock delivery?

What time will my livestock order arrive?

Where does Top Shelf Aquatics ship livestock?

How are live corals, fish, and invertebrates packed?

Why do livestock and aquarium supplies ship separately?

What happens when weather or a carrier delay affects livestock?

Livestock Shipping

How do I submit a dead-on-arrival livestock claim?

What photos are required for a DOA claim?

What resolution is provided for an approved standard DOA claim?

What does Reef Guard cover on a livestock order?

How long does Reef Guard protect corals and fish?

Does standard livestock coverage include a late or lost package?

Do I need to be present for my livestock delivery?

Does an approved livestock claim include re-shipping?

DOA Claims & Reef Guard

What are the free-shipping thresholds for aquarium supplies?

How long does it take aquarium supplies to ship?

Which carrier will deliver my aquarium supplies?

How do I start a return for aquarium supplies?

Which aquarium supplies are eligible for return?

What fees apply to a standard supply return?

How does Reef Guard change an eligible supply return?

Which products cannot be returned?

Can I return a product that was opened but never used?

Are Clearance, Blowout, Liquidation, and Open Box items final sale?

What should I do if a supply order arrives damaged?

Who handles a manufacturer defect or product warranty?

Can I cancel a special-order or drop-ship product?

Supply Shipping & Returns

What should I do first when a livestock shipment arrives?

How should I acclimate a new coral after shipping?

Should I dip or quarantine a new coral?

How should I acclimate a shipped saltwater fish?

Are Top Shelf Aquatics fish fully quarantined?

Are Top Shelf Aquatics invertebrates quarantined?

What do WYSIWYG and cut-to-order mean for corals?

Why was livestock removed from or refunded on my order?

Does Top Shelf Aquatics sell freshwater livestock?

Coral, Fish & Invertebrate Care

Where is the Top Shelf Aquatics retail store?

How does local pickup work?

Can I visit the Top Shelf Aquatics coral farm?

Local Store & Pickup

What happens if a price drops before my order ships?

Can I get a price adjustment after my order ships?

Which purchases are excluded from Price Drop Protection?

Can promotions, coupons, and discounts be combined?

Does Top Shelf Aquatics offer rain checks or promotional backorders?

What happens to rewards points after a cancellation, refund, or return?

Are gift cards and store credit refundable?

Rewards, Sales & Pricing

Can I cancel my order after placing it?

How can I cancel my order before it ships?

Can I pick up open box items locally?

What should I do if my order is missing an item?

What should I do if my item under warranty stops working?

What should I do if my order hasn't been shipped due to a delivery date not selected at checkout?

What should I do if my package is delivered to the wrong address?

Can I get a refund if my order does not arrive?

What should I do if my corals do not open after arrival?

Why did the price of the pumps change after my purchase?