Shrimp Arrival & Acclimation FAQ

Delivery & Timing

When will my shrimp arrive?

All live shrimp orders ship via overnight or 2-day express to minimize transit stress. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your order ships. We ship Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend holds at carrier facilities.

What if my delivery is early or delayed?

Carriers occasionally deliver ahead of schedule or experience delays. Monitor your tracking link closely on the expected delivery date. If your package is significantly delayed (more than 24 hours past the estimated delivery date), contact us immediately at kkstaquatics@gmail.com before opening the package so we can assess the situation together.

Receiving Your Package

Do I need to sign for my package?

Some shipments require a signature. Check your tracking information — if a signature is required, please arrange to be home or have a trusted adult available to receive the package. Missed deliveries that result in a second-day hold significantly increase shrimp stress and mortality risk.

What if no one is home when the package arrives?

If you cannot be home, consider these options:

Ask a neighbor or building manager to receive the package and bring it indoors immediately.
Have the package held at a local carrier facility (check your carrier's app or website) — but retrieve it the same day it's available.
Schedule delivery for a day you'll be home using the carrier's delivery management tools.

Do not let a live package sit outside in extreme heat or cold. We cannot be responsible for losses due to unattended packages.

Dead-on-Arrival (DOA) Policy

What counts as dead on arrival?

Shrimp that are visibly dead (no movement, white/opaque body, sunk to the bottom with no response to gentle water movement) upon first opening the bag qualify as DOA.

How do I report a DOA?

You must report DOA shrimp within 2 hours of delivery (per our Refund Policy). To file a valid claim:

Do not discard any shrimp or open additional bags before documenting.
Take a clear photo of the dead shrimp still inside the sealed or freshly opened bag, with the shipping label visible in the same frame.
Note the exact delivery time from your tracking information.
Email kkstaquatics@gmail.com with your order number, photos, and delivery timestamp within 2 hours of delivery.

Claims submitted after the 2-hour window or without required photos cannot be honored. Please review our full Refund Policy for complete details.

Acclimation

Why is acclimation so important?

Shrimp are highly sensitive to sudden changes in water temperature, pH, and hardness. Rushing acclimation is one of the most common causes of post-arrival loss. Take your time — it's worth it.

Step-by-step drip acclimation method

Set up a drip line — Using airline tubing and a flow valve (or a loose knot), create a siphon from your aquarium. Adjust the flow to approximately 2–3 drops per second.
Drip for 60–90 minutes — Allow tank water to slowly drip into the bucket until the volume has at least doubled.
Net and transfer — Use a fine mesh net to gently transfer the shrimp into your aquarium. Discard the acclimation water.
Dim the lights — Keep the aquarium lights off or dim for the first few hours to reduce stress.

What parameters should my tank be at?

Ideal parameters vary by species. In general, ensure your tank is fully cycled and stable before the shrimp arrive. Avoid dosing fertilizers, medications, or water conditioners (other than dechlorinator) for 24 hours after adding new shrimp.