Live Coral Shipping FAQ
This page answers common questions about live coral shipping, delivery timing, packaging, acclimation, and our DOA process. If you are ordering live corals online, these are the most important things to know before delivery.
Do you ship live corals safely?
Yes. ReefExclusive ships live corals using insulated packaging and secure transport methods designed to protect coral health during transit.
How are live corals packaged?
Corals are packed in insulated shipping boxes with protective containers and temperature-stable packaging materials. This helps reduce stress and maintain safer transport conditions.
How long can corals stay in shipping?
Healthy corals can usually tolerate properly managed shipping for about 24–48 hours. However, the coral should always be opened, inspected, and acclimated as soon as possible after delivery.
Do you ship overnight?
Yes. We use overnight shipping methods whenever possible to reduce transit time and improve coral survival.
What should I do when my coral arrives?
After delivery:
- Open the package immediately
- Inspect the coral and the shipping bag
- Check for visible damage or stress
- Begin the acclimation process as soon as possible
Read the full guide here: How to Acclimate New Corals
What if my coral arrives stressed?
Shipping stress can happen even when corals are packed correctly. A stressed coral may look closed, pale, or irritated on arrival. This does not always mean the coral is lost. Many corals recover after proper acclimation and stable placement.
What is your DOA policy?
If a coral arrives dead on arrival, please follow the instructions on our DOA policy page.
Read more: DOA Policy
How quickly should I report a DOA issue?
Please report any DOA issue as soon as possible after delivery and follow the steps listed on the DOA policy page, including clear photos and order details.
Can I return a live coral?
Live coral returns depend on the condition of the shipment and the situation. Please read our return and exchange policy for full details.
Read more: Return and Exchange Policy
Do you ship internationally?
Shipping availability depends on destination, carrier service, and livestock shipping restrictions. Please review our shipping policy for the latest details.
Read more: Shipping Policy
How should I prepare my tank before coral delivery?
Before your coral arrives, make sure your aquarium is stable in terms of temperature, salinity, lighting, and flow. New corals should never be placed into an unstable reef tank.
Where should I place a newly arrived coral?
New corals should usually start in a lower-stress area of the aquarium with moderate flow and controlled light exposure. Final placement depends on the coral species.
Helpful guides:
Related Shipping Guides
Last updated: 2026
This FAQ is maintained by ReefExclusive.
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