Live animals cannot be returned, so our guarantee works differently from a normal returns policy. This page sets out exactly what is covered and what we need from you.

Live arrival guarantee

Every fish, shrimp, snail and plant we ship is covered. If any arrive dead, we will replace them on your next order or refund that portion of the order, whichever you prefer.

What we need

  • An unboxing video or clear photographs taken within 4 hours of delivery.
  • The losses must be visible inside the sealed, unopened bag. Once a bag is opened we cannot tell transit loss from an acclimatisation problem.
  • The courier delivery timestamp, which is on your tracking page.
  • Send it all to us on Instagram at @aquabloomglassgardens, or by email to aquabloomglassgardens@gmail.com.

Claims are settled within three working days of us receiving the evidence.

What the guarantee does not cover

  • Losses after the bag has been opened or the animals released.
  • Deaths caused by an uncycled tank. Ammonia or nitrite above zero is the single most common cause of loss in the first week, and it is a tank problem rather than a shipping problem.
  • Deaths caused by incompatible tank mates, wrong temperature, wrong salinity or copper-based medication.
  • Parcels that could not be delivered because nobody was available, or where delivery was refused.
  • Delays caused by courier strikes, weather, or public holidays.
  • Plants that melt back after planting. Crypt melt and tissue-culture melt are normal; the plant regrows from the roots.

If you are not certain your tank is ready, message us before you order. We would rather delay a shipment by a week than replace dead fish.

Dry goods – equipment, food, consumables

  • 7 day return window from delivery for unused items in original, unopened packaging.
  • Return shipping is at your cost unless the item was faulty or we sent the wrong thing.
  • Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5 to 7 working days of the item reaching us.
  • Opened food, medication, water treatments, fertilisers and test kits cannot be returned for hygiene and safety reasons.
  • Substrate and hardscape cannot be returned once the bag is opened.

Damaged glass

Aquariums ship crated and insured. Inspect the crate before signing. If it is visibly damaged, refuse the delivery and tell us the same day – a refused damaged crate is a straightforward insurance claim. If damage is only apparent after unpacking, photograph the crate and the glass and contact us within 24 hours.

Equipment warranty

Filters, lights, pumps and heaters carry the manufacturer warranty stated on the product page, generally 12 to 24 months. Bring or ship the item to us with your order number and we will handle the warranty claim on your behalf.

Order cancellation

  • Cancel any time before dispatch for a full refund.
  • Livestock orders can be cancelled up to 6 pm the day before the dispatch date.
  • Custom fabrication deposits are refundable until you approve the design; after approval, materials have been committed.

How refunds are paid

Refunds go back to the original payment method. Razorpay card and UPI refunds reach your account in 5 to 7 working days. Bank transfer refunds are sent by IMPS within 2 working days of approval. Cash on Delivery orders are refunded by bank transfer to an account you nominate.