In-Store Livestock Policy

Last Updated: [DEC 2025]

At Source Aquatics, the health and well-being of our fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants is our top priority. We work hard to ensure that every animal in our store is healthy, properly cared for, and ready for its new home. To protect both our livestock and our customers, we have created the following in-store livestock policy.

1. Livestock Health & Care Standards

All livestock in our store is:

  • Carefully inspected daily

  • Kept in clean, stable, and monitored aquariums

  • Fed quality food and supplements

  • Treated promptly if any signs of illness appear

We will never knowingly sell unhealthy or compromised animals.

2. No Returns or Exchanges on Livestock

Due to the sensitive nature of aquatic animals, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on any livestock, including:

  • Fish

  • Shrimp

  • Snails

  • Aquatic invertebrates

  • Live plants

Once livestock leaves the store, we can no longer control:

  • Water parameters

  • Acclimation processes

  • Transport conditions

  • Behavior with tankmates

  • Tank environment and maintenance

For these reasons, all livestock sales are final.

3. In-Store Livestock Guarantee

We guarantee that all livestock is healthy at the time of sale.
Because we cannot monitor tank conditions once the animal is in your care, we do not offer refunds, replacements, or credits for livestock after it leaves the store.

Before completing your purchase, we encourage customers to:

  • Ask questions about care, compatibility, and tank requirements

  • Review their aquarium setup and stocking plan with our team

  • Confirm water quality and tank readiness

We are always happy to help ensure you take home animals that will thrive.

4. Holding Livestock for Customers

We may offer short-term holds under the following conditions:

  • Holds are 24 hours maximum unless otherwise arranged

  • A deposit may be required for special or high-value livestock

  • Livestock showing any signs of illness will not be held or sold

If a customer does not pick up livestock by the agreed-upon time, the animal will be returned to sales tanks, and any deposits may be forfeited.

5. Acclimation & Post-Purchase Care

Proper acclimation is crucial for the health of livestock. Upon purchase, we provide guidance on:

  • Bag-floating vs. drip acclimation

  • Temperature matching

  • Stress reduction techniques

  • Compatibility with existing tankmates

We are available to answer questions before and after purchase, but customers are responsible for ensuring proper tank conditions.

6. Compatibility & Tank Requirement Advice

Our staff will gladly offer advice on:

  • Species compatibility

  • Tank size requirements

  • Water parameters

  • Feeding habits

  • Special care needs

However, the final decision to purchase livestock rests with the customer.
We are not responsible for aggression, compatibility issues, or the behavior of animals once introduced into your aquarium.

7. Special Orders

If you request a special-order fish, plant, or invertebrate:

  • A deposit may be required

  • Availability is not guaranteed

  • We must ensure the animal arrives healthy before offering it for sale

Deposits for special orders are non-refundable if the customer changes their mind.

8. Customer Responsibility

By purchasing livestock from Source Aquatics, customers acknowledge responsibility for:

  • Proper tank setup and cycling

  • Suitable water parameters

  • Appropriate tankmates

  • Correct acclimation

  • Ongoing maintenance and care

We are here to help — but long-term success depends on proper care at home.