𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 — 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 — 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
Last updated: [07/03/26]
1. 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
By purchasing from Astarte Aquaria you agree to the following terms.
All products remain the property of Astarte Aquaria until payment has been received in full.
We reserve the right to cancel or refuse orders at our discretion.
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
While we aim to ensure all product information is accurate, errors may occasionally occur. We reserve the right to correct such errors.
2. 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve the browsing experience and analyse website traffic.
Cookies help us:
• Understand how visitors use the website
• Improve website functionality
• Remember user preferences
Users can control or disable cookies through their browser settings.
3. 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Astarte Aquaria ships aquarium livestock and dry goods across the UK mainland. Our goal is to ensure your livestock arrives healthy and safely.
Shipping Areas
We currently ship to UK mainland addresses only.
Due to courier restrictions and animal welfare considerations, we do not ship livestock to the following areas:
Scottish Highlands
Scottish Islands
Northern Ireland
Isle of Man
Channel Islands
Other remote locations where next-day delivery cannot be guaranteed
Dry goods may still be available to some of these areas.
Dispatch Days
Livestock orders are dispatched Monday, Wednesday and Thursday only
This avoids animals being delayed in transit over weekends.
Dry goods may ship Monday, Wed-Friday.
4. 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Unused dry goods may be returned within 14 days of purchase provided they are:
• Unused
• In original packaging
• In resellable condition
Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the product is faulty.
Due to the nature of live animals, livestock sales are subject to separate policies.
Special order/Non-stock items - see Policy 17
5. 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐎𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 (𝐃𝐎𝐀) 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Because we sell live animals, our refund and guarantee policies differ from standard retail goods.
We offer a Dead on Arrival (DOA) guarantee for livestock shipments provided the following conditions are met.
If an animal arrives deceased:
You must notify us within 1 hour of delivery.
Clear photographic evidence must be provided showing:
The deceased animal
The unopened bag
The shipping label on the box
Photos must be emailed to: [Insert email address]
Claims made outside this timeframe may not be eligible.
Resolution for DOA Claims
If a DOA claim is approved, we will offer one of the following at our discretion:
Store credit
Replacement livestock (subject to availability)
Shipping costs are not refundable.
Exclusions
The DOA guarantee does not apply if:
The delivery attempt was missed
The parcel was left unattended for an extended period
The livestock was not unpacked promptly
Incorrect acclimation procedures were used
Poor water conditions or incompatible tankmates are suspected
We reserve the right to decline claims where evidence suggests these conditions.
6. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Livestock is sold with a live arrival guarantee only.
Once livestock has been successfully delivered alive and introduced into the customer's aquarium, we cannot guarantee long-term health due to variables outside our control.
7. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
The welfare of the animals we ship is extremely important to us. For this reason, livestock shipments may be delayed if weather conditions are unsuitable for safe transport.
Temperature Safety
We closely monitor weather conditions before dispatching livestock.
Orders may be delayed if:
Temperatures are too high
Temperatures are too low
Severe weather conditions may impact courier services
This helps ensure animals arrive safely and in good health.
Seasonal Packing
Depending on conditions, we may include:
Heat packs during colder months
Cooling measures during warmer periods
Additional insulation
These measures help maintain stable temperatures during transit.
Dispatch Delays
If weather conditions are unsafe for livestock shipping, we may delay dispatch until suitable conditions return.
Customers will be notified if this occurs.
Our priority is always the welfare of the animals, even if this means waiting an extra day or two for safe shipping.
8. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲 & 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
While we use reliable courier services, delays outside our control may occasionally occur.
Astarte Aquaria cannot accept liability for courier delays caused by:
• Weather events
• Mechanical issues
• Courier network disruption
We will assist customers wherever possible to resolve issues.
9. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
At Astarte Aquaria, we aim to supply healthy, high-quality livestock and provide accurate advice to help you succeed in the hobby. However, the long-term success of aquarium livestock depends on many factors that are outside our control once the animals leave our care.
Customer Responsibility
By purchasing livestock from Astarte Aquaria, you confirm that:
Your aquarium is fully cycled and suitable for the species purchased.
Water parameters are stable and appropriate for the livestock.
The aquarium is large enough and suitable for the species.
Existing tank inhabitants are compatible with the new livestock.
If you are unsure about compatibility, we strongly recommend contacting us before placing an order.
Compatibility and Aggression
Fish and invertebrate behaviour can vary between individuals. While we provide guidance on compatibility and temperament, we cannot guarantee that livestock will coexist peacefully with existing tank inhabitants.
Aggression, territorial behaviour, and predation are natural behaviours in many species and are the responsibility of the aquarist to manage.
Tank Conditions
Once livestock has been introduced into your aquarium, its health and wellbeing depend on the environment provided by the customer. This includes but is not limited to:
Water quality
Temperature stability
Filtration and oxygen levels
Appropriate diet
Suitable tankmates
Astarte Aquaria cannot accept responsibility for losses resulting from unsuitable aquarium conditions.
Research and Advice
We strongly encourage all customers to research livestock requirements before purchase. Our team is always happy to provide advice, but final responsibility for livestock care lies with the purchaser.
𝟏0. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞
Proper acclimation is essential for the health and survival of aquarium livestock. Following these steps will help reduce stress and ensure a safe transition into your aquarium.
Step 1 – Inspect the Package
Upon delivery:
Open the parcel immediately.
Check all bags carefully for livestock condition.
If there is an issue with a delivery, follow our DOA policy immediately.
Step 2 – Temperature Acclimation
Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15–20 minutes to allow the water temperature to equalise.
Do not open the bag during this stage.
Step 3 – Water Acclimation
After temperature equalisation:
Open the bag.
Slowly add small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every 5 minutes.
Continue this process for 20–30 minutes.
This helps livestock adjust gradually to differences in water chemistry.
Step 4 – Transfer Livestock
Once acclimated:
Gently net the livestock or carefully transfer it into the aquarium.
Do not pour bag water into your aquarium.
Step 5 – Reduce Stress
After introduction:
Keep lighting dim or off for several hours.
Avoid feeding immediately.
Monitor livestock behaviour carefully.
Important Notes
Newly introduced livestock may hide or behave cautiously for several days.
Some species may take time to begin feeding.
Always quarantine livestock where possible to protect your existing aquarium.
If you have any concerns about acclimation or livestock health, please contact Astarte Aquaria for guidance.
Proper acclimation greatly increases survival rates.
𝟏1. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Many aquarium species, particularly marine fish and corals, naturally vary in appearance.
Natural Variation
The livestock you receive may differ slightly from photographs shown online due to:
Natural colour variation
Lighting conditions
Growth stage or size
Individual markings
This is a normal part of keeping living animals.
Coral Colouration
Coral colours can appear different depending on:
Lighting spectrum
Lighting intensity
Aquarium conditions
Images shown online or on social media are intended as representative examples, not exact matches - unless otherwise stated.
Size and Appearance
Livestock may vary slightly in size, colour, or pattern from listings or images.
Where sizes are provided, they are approximate measurements.
Our Approach
We aim to represent livestock as accurately as possible, but natural variation is part of the aquarium hobby and should be expected.
𝟏2. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 & 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬
Commitment to Animal Welfare
All livestock offered for sale by Astarte Aquaria is:
Sourced from reputable suppliers
Inspected for health before sale
Maintained in appropriate systems with proper care
Provided with suitable water conditions and nutrition
We strive to ensure that every animal leaving our care is healthy and fit for sale.
Responsible Sales
Astarte Aquaria reserves the right to refuse the sale of livestock where we believe:
The aquarium environment is unsuitable
The tank is not fully cycled
Tank size is inappropriate for the species
Existing livestock may pose a risk to the new animal
The customer lacks appropriate equipment or experience
These decisions are made solely in the interest of animal welfare.
Livestock Requirements
Different species have different care requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they understand:
Tank size requirements
Compatibility with existing livestock
Dietary requirements
Water parameter requirements
Long-term care needs
Our team is happy to offer guidance, but responsibility for ongoing care lies with the customer.
Transport and Handling
Livestock purchased in-store or shipped to customers is packed carefully to minimise stress and maintain suitable conditions during transport.
Customers should ensure livestock is acclimated correctly upon arrival.
Ethical Aquarium Keeping
We encourage responsible fishkeeping practices including:
Appropriate stocking levels
Proper quarantine procedures
Adequate filtration and maintenance
Regular water testing
Long-term care planning for livestock
𝟏3. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Certain livestock may be held in quarantine or observation systems before sale.
This allows us to monitor health and stability before animals are released for purchase.
Fish in quarantine may be reserved but cannot be dispatched until quarantine is complete.
𝟏4. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
From time to time customers may wish to reserve livestock prior to collection or shipment.
Reserving Livestock
Livestock can be reserved subject to the following conditions:
Full payment or a deposit may be required
Reservations are typically held for up to 48 hours unless otherwise agreed
Quarantine Reservations
Fish that are currently in quarantine or observation systems may be reserved by customers before they are released for sale.
However, these fish will not be dispatched or collected until quarantine is completed.
Reservation Extensions
Extended reservations may be possible by prior agreement.
Astarte Aquaria reserves the right to cancel reservations if livestock welfare may be affected by prolonged holding periods.
Deposits
Deposits for reserved livestock are generally non-refundable, but may be transferred to store credit at our discretion.
𝟏5. 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Customers are responsible for ensuring their aquarium is appropriate for the species purchased.
Factors include:
• Tank size
• Filtration capacity
• Water parameters
• Compatibility with other livestock
We may decline sales where conditions are unsuitable.
𝟏6. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 & 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Due to hygiene and storage requirements:
• Frozen foods cannot be returned once sold
• Live foods are non-refundable
Customers should ensure they have appropriate storage conditions before purchasing.
17. Special Order & Non-Stock Item Policy
Items that are specially ordered in for customers, including non-stock items and bespoke requests, are subject to the following terms:
- All special order / non-stock items are non-refundable and non-returnable once the order has been placed with our supplier.
- A deposit or full payment may be required before the order is processed.
- Deposits are non-refundable if the order is cancelled after confirmation.
- Estimated delivery times are provided as a guide and may vary depending on supplier availability.
Exceptions:
- If the item arrives damaged, faulty, or not as described, we will offer a repair, replacement, or refund in line with your statutory rights.
By placing an order for a special order or non-stock item, you agree to these terms.
18. Extended Quarantine / Holding Policy
At a customer’s request, we may agree to hold livestock for an extended quarantine or observation period. The following terms apply:
- Full payment is required before any livestock is held for extended quarantine.
- Once agreed, the livestock is reserved exclusively for the customer and will not be offered for sale to others.
- All extended quarantine / held livestock is non-refundable and non-cancellable.
- The customer accepts that live aquatic animals carry inherent risk, and while we provide the highest standard of care, no guarantees can be made on long-term health or survival once reserved.
During Holding Period:
- We will continue to care for the livestock to our usual high standards.
- However, losses during the holding period are not eligible for refund, credit, or replacement.
Collection:
- Collection must be arranged within the agreed timeframe.
- Failure to collect may result in the livestock being re-listed, with no refund or credit issued.
By requesting extended quarantine or holding, you confirm acceptance of these terms.