We start our process simply by having a good relationship with quality vendor/collector's and aquaculture facilities.  We have been working with our vendor's for years and know that we are getting properly collected livestock from responsible diver's with no use of cyanide or or other poor collection practices.  The majority of our wild caught saltwater livestock is purchased diver direct and comes to us straight from the source.  This allows us to cut out a many stops along the way that the animals would otherwise endure from the large wholesalers.  The reason why there are so many fish that tend to have a poor reputation for survival in shipping is that they may have been transferred through multiple systems and likely not fed for days or even weeks in some cases!  Our freshwater livestock is also selected with the utmost care.  We hand pick our freshwater fish from local vendors in facilities that the fish are well cared for, well fed and rested before making the short journey back to our store.  We also purchase from local breeder's whenever possible for fish and inverts that are born and raised right here in NH. and MA!

No matter what time of day that the shipment arrives the livestock is picked up from the airport and immediately returned to the store for acclimation to their new home. 

Upon arrival all of the livestock is inspected for good condition.  The fish are placed in acclimation buckets and slowly dripped into their new system.  Coral are bathed in a disinfecting solution to remove pests and nuisance algae.  Our store is climate controlled to a constant 78 degrees F and this helps for all of the animals in their acclimation containers to begin acclimating to the corect water temperature immediately upon entrance to the store.  The water in the containers are checked for S.G. and pH as well as conditioned as needed to reduce shock.  Our ultimate goal is to have ZERO losses!  Once the proper acclimation is achieved all of the livestock is carefully placed into their new tanks with consideration for compatibility and comfort.  Care is taken with each individual animal to ensure a smooth transfer, just like you would do at home.

 Parasites in wild-caught fish are not only common, but likely.  For the long-term success of any aquarium it is important to keep parasites from ever entering the system.  A good quarantine procedure is critical to keeping your display clean and healthy.  

At Aquatic Creations we quarantine every fish that comes into the store.  Our process is all natural and we DO NOT use any copper based medications that can cause damage to the fish.  Fish are treated first to break up the life cycle of potential parasites and are then treated for secondary infection.  Our livestock is fed a highly nutritious diet of vitamin supplemented foods to promote a healthy immune system.  Environmental control is employed to keep the fish in a clean environment with regular checks of water chemistry, including dissolved oxygen.  We utilize an aggressive/passive UV sterilization method for maximum effectiveness against possible pathogens.  Remember, UV sterilization alone is not enough to eliminate parasites!  Our fish are kept in quarantine for a minimum of 3 weeks, but we will go longer if needed.  We will always do our best to make sure that every fish that leaves the store will be healthy and eating before it goes home.

Aquatic Creations is the only local aquarium specialty store that uses this quarantine process.  We understand that times are tough and that many may not have the space or budget for a second tank for quarantine, but prevention is your best defense against disease in your display.  You have invested a lot of time and money into your aquarium.  Buy with confidence in that a good effort has gone into reducing your chances for introducing parasites to your system.  It only takes one infected animal to infest an entire aquarium!  Our process costs us more to do, but it is well worth it.  The goal of every hobbyist should be to a long, happy and healthy life for all of our pets.

Service from start to finish is what we are all about.  We will help you to make the right selections for your aquarium to the best of our ability.  Quality over quantity is our goal. 

Don't be fooled by large numbers of tanks loaded with hundreds of fish and big lists week after week of new arrivals.  If there is no quarantine process, these are hundreds of potential carriers of disease to your aquarium!  The common practice in the aquarium industry is large orders of livestock and quick turnover with nothing more in process than the use of UV sterilizers.  Remember, this is not enough to eliminate parasites.  Look for the store that will take the time and care for each and every animal that enters the store and puts in the extra effort for you and your aquarium.  Choose Aquatic Creations for your next livestock purchase!