MICRO AQUATIC SHOP HELP CENTRE

Aquarium
FAQs

Answers about buying fish, shrimp and aquatic plants, shipping in Australia, local pickup and aquarium care.

Neon tetras among lush green aquarium plants

MICRO AQUATIC SHOP

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about visiting our store, shipping, live arrivals and aquarium care.

Need help with an order? Email cs@microaquaticshop.com.au or call (02) 8320 3037.

Store & Orders

Do you have an aquarium shop in Sydney?

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 aquarium order from your Wetherill Park store?

Yes. Local pickup is free and orders are usually ready in about 30 minutes. Please wait for confirmation or call before travelling.

Which payment methods can I use at checkout?

Available payment methods are shown securely at checkout and include major cards and PayPal.

Can I change my delivery address after placing an order?

Email us as soon as possible. An address can only be changed before the order has been dispatched.

Can you help me choose fish, plants and supplies for my first aquarium?

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 get updates on new aquarium stock and offers?

Join our email list and follow Micro Aquatic Shop on social media for new arrivals, sales, exclusive content, events and available rewards.

Do you add new fish, plants and aquascaping pieces regularly?

Yes. New livestock, plants, hardscape pieces and aquascape designs are added as they become available. One-off natural pieces may sell quickly.

Shipping

Where in Australia can you ship live fish, shrimp 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.

Which days do you dispatch live fish, shrimp and plants?

Fish, shrimp and snails are prioritised Monday–Tuesday. Plants and remaining orders are dispatched Wednesday. Livestock is not dispatched Thursday–Sunday.

How much does aquarium livestock shipping cost?

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 express or Toll Overnight 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 aquarium order after dispatch?

Tracking is emailed after dispatch. Orders may travel with Toll, Aramex or Australia Post.

Do I need to be home when live fish or shrimp are delivered?

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 hot or cold weather delay livestock shipping?

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

Does the Live Arrival Guarantee cover fish, shrimp, snails and plants?

Yes. Fish, shrimp, snails and plants are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the claim requirements are followed.

How do I report dead on arrival (DOA), damaged, missing or incorrect items?

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.

Will an approved Live Arrival Guarantee claim receive a refund or store credit?

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 do I acclimate new fish and shrimp?

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 aquarium water conditioner do to tap water?

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.

What are the benefits of live aquarium 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 aquarium substrate should I choose: sand, gravel or aquasoil?

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 for my aquarium?

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.

Acclimating
fish & shrimp

Read the acclimation guide →