FAQS
MICRO AQUATIC SHOP
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about visiting our store, shipping, live arrivals and aquarium care.
Store & Orders
Do you have a physical store, or are you online only?
Yes. Visit us at Unit 15, 2–8 Daniel Street, Wetherill Park NSW 2164, or shop online. We are open Monday–Sunday, 9am–5pm.
Can I collect my order from the store?
Yes. Local pickup is free and orders are usually ready in about 30 minutes. Please wait for confirmation or call before travelling.
How can I pay?
Available payment methods are shown securely at checkout and include major cards and PayPal.
Can I change my delivery address?
Email us as soon as possible. An address can only be changed before the order has been dispatched.
I am new to aquariums. Can you help me choose?
Yes. Contact us or visit the store with your tank size, water parameters and current livestock so we can recommend suitable options.
How can I hear about new arrivals, offers and events?
Join our email list and follow Micro Aquatic Shop on social media for new arrivals, sales, exclusive content, events and available rewards.
Do you regularly add new aquascape pieces and designs?
Yes. New livestock, plants, hardscape pieces and aquascape designs are added as they become available. One-off natural pieces may sell quickly.
Shipping
Where do you ship live animals and plants?
We ship to eligible Australian addresses. Due to quarantine and biosecurity restrictions, we cannot send live fish, shrimp, snails or live plants to WA, NT or TAS.
When are live orders dispatched?
Fish, shrimp and snails are prioritised Monday–Tuesday. Plants and remaining orders are dispatched Wednesday. Livestock is not dispatched Thursday–Sunday.
How much is shipping?
Express shipping is generally $35–$45 AUD. Toll Overnight is generally $45–$75 AUD, depending on parcel size and destination. One flat express fee applies to the whole parcel; local pickup is free.
How long does delivery take?
Express orders usually require 1–2 business days for handling, then an estimated 1–2 business days in transit. Toll Overnight is expected the next business day after dispatch, but carrier delays can occur.
How do I track my order?
Tracking is emailed after dispatch. Orders may travel with Toll, Aramex or Australia Post.
Do I need to be home for a live delivery?
Yes. Please be available to receive livestock. We do not send live animals to PO Boxes or Parcel Lockers, and losses caused by an incorrect address, an unattended parcel or depot return are not covered.
Can dispatch be delayed because of the weather?
Yes. We may hold live orders during extreme heat or cold to protect the animals and will keep affected customers informed.
Live Arrival, DOA & Missing Items
Are live animals and plants covered on arrival?
Yes. Fish, shrimp, snails and plants are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the claim requirements are followed.
What should I do if something arrives dead, damaged, missing or incorrect?
Record an unboxing video from the moment the sealed parcel is opened, clearly showing the unopened bags. Email the video, clear photos and affected quantities to us within 1 hour of delivery.
How is an approved claim resolved?
An approved claim receives a refund or store credit for the affected livestock. Shipping fees are non-refundable, and replacement shipment is only available when agreed in writing.
How should I acclimate new livestock?
Use a fully cycled tank. Float the sealed bag for 15–30 minutes, gradually add tank water for 20–30 minutes (slower for shrimp), then net the animals into the tank. Do not pour transport water into the aquarium; keep lights dim and do not feed for 24 hours.
Livestock Help
My fish has white spots. What should I do?
White spots may be Ich, but other conditions can look similar. Check temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and other symptoms; isolate the fish if possible and seek species-appropriate treatment promptly. Contact us with clear photos and tank details if you need help.
Why did my fish die unexpectedly?
Common causes include ammonia or nitrite, unstable temperature or pH, low oxygen, toxins, disease, aggression and acclimation stress. Test the water first and review recent changes before adding medication or more livestock.
Which fish can live with shrimp?
Small, peaceful fish are the safest choice, but almost any fish may eat baby shrimp. Use dense plants and hiding places, or keep a shrimp-only tank if breeding success is important.
Which fish or snails are suitable for an outdoor aquarium?
Medaka/Japanese Rice Fish and some snails may suit outdoor setups. Suitability depends on local temperature, sun, rain, predators and water stability, so check the species and your conditions before purchase.
Aquarium Basics
What does water conditioner do?
It treats tap water by neutralising chlorine/chloramine, making the water safer for aquarium livestock. Follow the product dosage whenever adding or changing tap water.
Why does my aquarium need a filter?
A filter removes debris, circulates and oxygenates water, and provides a home for beneficial bacteria that process fish waste. A new filter must still be cycled before livestock is added.
Why add live plants, and how do I plant them?
Plants provide shelter and use some nutrients. Rooted and stem plants go into the substrate; rhizome plants such as Anubias and Java Fern should have the rhizome above the substrate; moss and epiphytes can be attached to rock or driftwood.
Does my planted tank need CO₂?
Not always. CO₂ helps demanding or densely planted aquariums grow faster, while many easy low-tech plants can grow without added CO₂ when lighting and nutrients are balanced.
Which substrate should I choose?
Sand or gravel suits many community tanks. Aquasoil supports plant growth and can alter water chemistry, so choose according to your plants, livestock and target water parameters—especially for sensitive shrimp.
Bonsai Driftwood
Is each bonsai driftwood piece unique?
Yes. Natural shapes vary, so a sold one-off piece cannot be duplicated exactly. A similar design may be created, but it will not be identical.
Is bonsai driftwood made from a real bonsai tree?
No. It is an aquarium hardscape assembled from selected natural driftwood pieces to create a bonsai-style form.
Is bonsai driftwood safe for fish and shrimp?
It is intended for aquarium use, but every piece should be rinsed and prepared before being placed in the tank. Natural wood may release tannins or develop a temporary harmless biofilm when first submerged.
How should I prepare new driftwood?
Rinse it thoroughly and soak it in dechlorinated water before use. Change the soaking water as needed; larger pieces may need more time to become waterlogged and sink.
