Frequently Asked Questions

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) through our secure Stripe checkout. PayPal and Apple Pay are also available.

If you need to change or cancel your order, email us ASAP at cole@colesaquatics.com. We can usually accommodate changes if the order hasn't shipped yet. Once it's shipped, we can't modify it.

Yes! We offer local delivery within 30 miles of Brenham for just $5. This is actually the best way to get plants - no shipping stress, and you can meet the person who grew them. Select "Local Delivery" at checkout.

Currently, we only ship within the continental United States. Hawaii and Alaska orders require special arrangements due to agricultural restrictions and longer transit times. Contact us directly if you're in those areas.

We ship on Mondays and Tuesdays only. Orders placed by Sunday at 11:59 PM CST ship Monday. This ensures your plants don't sit in a warehouse over the weekend.

$10 flat rate for any order size. Orders over $75 ship FREE! Local Brenham area delivery is only $5.

If temperatures anywhere along the shipping route could drop below 40°F, yes. From November through March, we strongly recommend adding a heat pack ($3). Without one, DOA claims for cold damage may not be honored.

Each plant is wrapped in damp paper towels, placed in breathable bags, and packed in an insulated box. Everything is designed to keep plants healthy during their 2-3 day journey.

Yes! Some leaf loss or "melt" is completely normal as plants adjust to new water conditions. Keep the rhizome/roots healthy, maintain good water quality, and most plants bounce back within 1-2 weeks. This is NOT a DOA situation.

Most of our plants do NOT require CO2. Bucephalandra, Java Moss, Anubias, and floaters all thrive in low-tech setups. For carpeting plants like HC Cuba or demanding stem plants, CO2 is recommended for best results. Check each product description for care requirements.

Yes! All our plants are pesticide-free and safe for shrimp and other invertebrates. We grow our plants without any chemicals that could harm your shrimp. However, we always recommend a quick dip/quarantine for any new plants as a best practice.

For beginners, we recommend: Java Moss (basically indestructible), Bucephalandra (slow-growing, low-light tolerant), Anubias (attach to wood/rocks, very hardy), and floaters like Red Root Floaters (absorbs excess nutrients). Check out the Nano Tank Starter Bundle for a curated beginner selection!

1) Remove plants from packaging and rinse in tank water. 2) Trim any damaged leaves. 3) Plant immediately or attach to hardscape. 4) Maintain stable water parameters for the first few weeks. 5) Be patient - some melt is normal as plants adjust!

If plants arrive dead or severely damaged, send photos within 2 hours of delivery to cole@colesaquatics.com. Include your order number and clear photos showing the damage. We'll respond within 24 hours with a refund or replacement. No hassle. Full policy here.

The 2-hour window ensures I can distinguish between shipping damage and problems that occurred after the plants left your mailbox. Plants sitting in a hot mailbox all day, left unboxed, or not properly acclimated can deteriorate quickly. Opening and documenting immediately protects both of us.

Due to the nature of live plants, we can't accept returns for change of mind. However, if there's an issue with your order or you're unhappy for any reason, please reach out. We want every customer to be satisfied.