This policy explains how we pack and ship, what it costs, and how long it takes. Live stock is handled differently from dry goods, so read that section if your order contains fish, shrimp, snails or plants.
Delivery charges
| Destination | Dry goods | Live stock | Glass aquariums |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Metro (600001-600130) | Rs. 60 | Rs. 210 | Rs. 310 |
| Tamil Nadu | Rs. 110 | Rs. 370 | Rs. 560 |
| Rest of India (surface) | Rs. 160 | Rs. 580 | Rs. 1,060 |
| Rest of India (air express) | Rs. 420 | Rs. 900 | Rs. 1,820 |
Free delivery thresholds
- Chennai Metro: free over Rs. 1,500
- Tamil Nadu: free over Rs. 2,500
- Rest of India: free surface delivery over Rs. 4,000
Free delivery applies to the surface service. Air express, which is compulsory for live stock outside Tamil Nadu, is always charged.
All delivery charges shown above and at checkout are final and inclusive of GST. A mixed order pays a single delivery charge – the highest rate that applies to anything in the basket – rather than one charge per item type.
Collect from the store
Free. Choose “Collect from our workshop” at checkout. We will message you when the order is ready, usually the same day. Bring your order number.
Dispatch times
- Dry goods: dispatched within 24 hours on working days.
- Live fish, shrimp and snails: dispatched Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday only. Orders placed Thursday to Sunday ship the following Monday.
- Live plants: dispatched within 24 hours, Monday to Thursday.
- Glass aquariums: 2 to 4 working days, as they are crated to order.
The Monday to Wednesday rule on livestock exists so that nothing sits in a courier hub over the weekend. It is not negotiable, and we will not ship live animals on a Friday however much you ask.
Transit times
- Chennai Metro: 1 to 2 working days
- Tamil Nadu: 2 to 3 working days
- Rest of India by surface: 4 to 7 working days
- Rest of India by air express: 1 to 2 working days
How live stock is packed
- Fish are fasted for 24 hours before packing, which keeps the bag water clean in transit.
- Double-bagged in fresh, conditioned water and inflated with pure oxygen.
- Bags are packed in an insulated thermocol box inside a corrugated carton.
- A gel pack is added in summer, and a heat pack for hill-station destinations in winter.
- Plants are wrapped in damp tissue and sealed to hold humidity, not submerged.
- Every livestock parcel is labelled LIVE FISH – THIS SIDE UP – DO NOT X-RAY.
Prepaid only on live stock
Cash on Delivery is not available on any order containing live animals or plants. A refused or undeliverable COD parcel means the animals die in a courier warehouse. Live stock orders must be paid online or by bank transfer.
Check your pincode
On the day of delivery
- Be available. Livestock parcels cannot be reattempted the next day.
- Open the box in front of the delivery person if there is visible damage.
- Record an unboxing video before you open the bags. This is what a live arrival claim rests on.
- Float sealed bags in your tank for 20 minutes, then drip acclimatise over 45 minutes before releasing.
Questions
Message us on Instagram at @aquabloomglassgardens or email aquabloomglassgardens@gmail.com.