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About Us
Welcome to The Northern Aquarist, your trusted source for high-quality live fish! With over a decade of experience in the aquarium hobby, I’ve developed a deep passion for fishkeeping—especially breeding and raising healthy, vibrant fish. What started as a simple fascination with aquariums quickly turned into a lifelong love for breeding, caring for, and learning about fish. Now, as a high school student, I’ve taken that passion and turned it into a business—one that allows me to share my love for fish with others.
I believe that every fish deserves the best care, and every customer deserves the best experience. That’s why I focus on breeding only healthy, well-acclimated fish that are raised in optimal conditions. I ensure that each fish is properly cared for, fed a nutritious diet, and carefully packed for safe arrival at your doorstep.
One of my biggest joys in this hobby is discovering and breeding unique, beautiful fish that aren’t always easy to find. I know how exciting it is to come across that perfect fish for your aquarium, and I want to give others the opportunity to experience that same excitement. That’s why I work hard to offer high-quality fish that you might not find at your local pet store.
🐟Thank you for supporting a Canadian small business and sharing in my love for fishkeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, we do not ship outside of Canada due to the delicate nature of shipping live fish. Ensuring the well-being of our aquatic life is our top priority, and international shipping poses logistical challenges that could compromise their health and safety during transit.
We offer a free live arrival guarantee which means that when you receive your livestock they will be alive.
After a fish are in the customers care it is their responsibility for ongoing care for the fish.
If a fish was received alive and later dies in the care of the customer The Northern Aquarist is not responsible and will not offer replacements or refunds.
If a fish is DOA (Dead on arrival) you must submit a photo to contact@northernaquarist.ca within 1 hour of your fish being delivered or the DOA guarantee is void. The DOA guarantee is also void if the bag has been opened.
We ship every Tuesday to ensure they arrive as quickly and safely as possible. Once shipped, you can expect your package to arrive within 1-2 days for orders containing live plants and animals, and 1-8 days for orders without live plants or animals. Shipping times may vary depending on your location and courier delays.
You will receive a tracking number via email once your order has been sent.
Please make sure to be available to receive the package to minimize stress.
The health of our fish is our number one priority, therefore shipping may be delayed due to extreme/unsafe weather conditions.
Unfortunately, we do not accept returns on live fish or any related products. We take great care in packaging and shipping your fish to ensure they arrive healthy and safe. If you have any issues with your order, please reach out to us as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to assist you. For any concerns about your fish’s condition, refer to our DOA policy or contact us directly.
When your fish arrives, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition into its new home:
1. Inspect the Fish Immediately
Carefully check the condition of the fish while it is still in the bag.
If the fish is dead on arrival (DOA), take a clear photo of it in the unopened bag and email it to us within 1 hour of delivery at contact@northernaquarist.ca.
Failure to report within this time frame may void eligibility for a replacement or refund.
2. Acclimate the Fish (Temperature Method Only)
We do not recommend drip acclimation, as it can be dangerous due to ammonia buildup in the bag. Instead, follow this safer method:
Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15-30 minutes to allow the water inside to match your tank’s temperature.
Release the Fish: Open the bag and gently net the fish out, avoiding bag water transfer into your tank.
Monitor Closely: Keep an eye on the fish for any signs of stress or unusual behavior.
Why Not Drip Acclimate?
During shipping, fish produce waste, which turns into toxic ammonia inside the bag.
The water in the bag is acidic due to CO₂ buildup, which keeps ammonia in a less harmful form.
When you open the bag and start a slow drip, oxygen enters, raising the pH and making the ammonia highly toxic, which can burn the fish’s gills and cause severe stress or death.
For this reason, a temperature acclimation and immediate release is the safest way to introduce your fish to its new home.
We offer flat rate shipping. Orders not containing live animals ship for $15.00, while orders containing live plants and animals ship for $22.00. We reserve the right to change these rates at any time.
