Info on our Tropical Fish

Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not see the answer to your question below please submit your question using a feedback form at the top of the page.

  1. How does Valley Fisheries Ship fish to you?
  2. What is the cost of shipping to my zip code?
  3. Why is Direct from Oddballfish better?
  4. When will my fish ship?
  5. Can I request a certain combination of males and females?
  6. Is this fish compatible with my fish and with my plants?
  7. What are the care requirements for this fish?
  8. What are the most popular fish?
  9. I'm new to tropical fish, how do I start a planted aquarium?
  10. I live near by can I come pick up my order instead of paying it to be shipped?
  11. What are my shipping cost?

How does Valley Fisheries Ship fish to you?

shipping
Every effort is made to ensure
your fish arrive in good condition

We use the very best ... Federal Express, so that you can receive your fish in the best condition within a few days. FedEx is the only national carrier that utilizes climate controlled vehicles and distribution facilities allowing us to guarantee live arrival at your door with confidence.

 

What is the cost of shipping to my zip code?

Shipping is either $20 or $30 per box depending on your zip code. This includes our superior packaging and handling. The easiest and most accurate way for you to get actual shipping costs is to process your desired order up to the shipping screen. Once you have entered your location data the system will calculate the number of boxes required for your order and provide you with the associated actual cost. At this point you can either cancel the order, go back and change your order (ie fill the box or reduce to one box), or proceed to the secure credit/debit card screen.

Why is Direct from Oddballfish better?

Most people prefer buying my fish because they come direct from the breeder (me). The fish you find in pet shops have typically been transported thru multiple transhippers, wholesellers, etc. My fish are bred and raised here at my hatchery using natural probiotic (organic) techniques that minimize the use of chemicals and maximize the use of natural environments resulting in superior biological health and beauty of the animals. From a genetic standpoint, all of my brood lines have been outsourced from around the globe using only statistically significant populations of both wild caught and aquarium bred strains thus ensuring genetic soundness.

When will my fish ship?

All orders are shipped on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your location and weather, and will arrive in one or two days. Depending on the forecasted weather, your order may be delayed until weather permits. Orders may be held longer during winter.

Can I request a certain combination of males and females?

Yes. You can request any combination of males and females you want. Our policy is to ship even numbers of males and females. You may request something different by submitting a feedback form at the top of each page after placing your order. Be sure to include your order number in your feedback form request. We will do our best to fill your order 50/50 male/female or as requested but we do not guarantee these combinations. Some fish are easier to sex than others and generally the smaller the size the more difficult to sex. Ordering the larger sizes offered will generally make it easier to select the sexes desired.

Is this fish compatible with my fish and with my plants?

Please look under the picture of the fish you are interested in. Then scroll down that page for a discussion of compatibility with other fish and planted aquariums.

What are the care requirements for this fish?

All of the care and handling requirements for each of our fish are detailed in the Care and Handling section for each fish. Look on the page of the fish you are interested in, under the picture there are details about each fish.

What are the most popular fish?

Our planted aquarium Cichlids (Blue and Gold German Rams) and all the Rainbowfish.

I'm new to tropical fish, how do I start a planted aquarium?

Watch these information videos that will help you get started.

I live near by can I come pick up my order instead of paying it to be shipped?

We do not have a retail facility. We are a working farm and are not open to the public. We have been shipping our freshwater tropical fish via FedEx with very few problems since 1999. We guarantee live arrivals and have state of the art packing materials and procedures.

What are my shipping cost?

Fill up your shopping cart with the items you want to order. Once you have added the items to your cart you will see a link on the left hand side of the shopping cart page that has a link "calculate shipping charge" fill in your zip code and click on the link and your shipping charge will be automatically updated if you add or delete items.