At Saturn Shrimp & Aquascaping, we bring premium underwater ecosystems to life. We offer a comprehensive range of expert services to support your hobby:

1. Premium Livestock Supply: Specializing in home-bred freshwater dwarf shrimp (including premium Caridina lines) and select freshwater fish species.

2. Custom Aquascaping & Design: Crafting breathtaking, natural underwater gardens and balanced aquatic ecosystems tailored to your space.

3. Professional Installation: Hassle-free, in-home setup of custom freshwater planted layouts and dedicated shrimp breeding systems.

4. Aquarium Restoration: Transforming aged or overgrown tanks into vibrant, refreshed underwater centerpieces.

5. Expert Consultations & Advice: Step-by-step guidance on water parameters, aquascaping techniques, and tank optimization.

6. Terrarium & Paludarium builds: We offer advice from start to finish. We have a wide range from Bioloark – Custom builds. Our Terra plant range, hardscape and accessories help create a living world within your home.

7. Nationwide Door-to-Door Delivery: Fast, secure shipping on all dry goods and livestock across South Africa via The Courier Guy.

8. In-Store Experiences: Visit us instore during our posted Google Hours to view our range of stunning designed aquascapes, shrimp tanks, paludariums  and more.

Shipping & Delivery:

1. Livestock & Plants (The Living Stuff)

How do you safely ship live shrimp and plants?

We have perfected our live-shipping process to ensure your livestock arrives in perfect health.

• Shrimp: Shipped in specialized, heavy-duty bags or double-bagged with and a piece of mesh for the shrimp to hold onto during transit to reduce stress.

• Insulation: All livestock orders are packed inside thick, protective polystyrene boxes (styrofoam boxes) to buffer against outside temperature spikes or drops.

• Plants: Potted plants are sealed in a plastic bag to retain moisture and tissure culture cups are shipped in their sealed sterile tissue-culture cups to stay fresh.

What days of the week do you ship live orders?

To avoid courier delays over the weekend, we only ship livestock Monday through Wednesday.

• If you place a livestock order on a Thursday or Friday, it will be held securely in our systems and shipped first thing on Monday morning. This ensures your shrimp never get stuck sitting in a dark courier warehouse over a weekend. We do however ship locally on Thursdays to arrive Friday mornings (if available from the Courier Guy). Local same day shipping can also be selected at checkout (if available from the Courier Guy).

Do you ship livestock across South Africa?

Yes! We ship live shrimp and plants nationwide to major hubs. However, if you live in an extremely remote outlying area, please contact us on WhatsApp before ordering so we can verify if the transit time is safe for live animals.

2. Dry Goods & Hardware

How are tanks and heavy substrates shipped?

Fragile items like rimless glass tanks and heavy items are packed with extreme care using heavy-duty and reinforced boxes.

• Note: Because tanks, rocks and large soil bags carry high volumetric weight, shipping fees for these items are calculated dynamically at checkout based on total weight and size. Pudo delivery to your door is normally selected and maximum weight is 20kg per box. 1 Box is equal to 1 shipping fee.

Can I mix livestock and heavy dry goods in one order?

Yes, but they will likely be packed in separate boxes within the same shipment. We will never pack a heavy 9L bag of soil or a hardscape rock in the same box as delicate live shrimp bags to avoid crushing risks.

3. Shipping Rates, Times & Collections

How long does delivery take?

• Major Hubs (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, etc.): Typically 1 to 2 business days from dispatch.

• Regional/Outlying Areas: 2 to 4 business days (Recommended for dry goods only; please chat with us first for livestock).

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on your delivery address and the total weight/volume of your parcel. Shipping rates are subject to change according to the Courier Guy policy and rates charged by the Courier Guy for areas. We do however attempt to keep shipping cost as low as possible and we can also communicate with you in this regard.

Can I choose to collect my order instead?

Absolutely! If you are local to Wierda Park / Centurion, simply select “Local Collection” at checkout. There is zero shipping fee. Once your order is packed and ready, we will send you a notification via SMS or WhatsApp to let you know it’s ready for pickup at the shop.

How do I track my order?

As soon as your parcel is handed over to our courier partner, you will receive an automated email and SMS/Whatsapp with your tracking number and a direct link to track its journey to your door.

Saturn Shrimp & Aquascaping — Refund & Return Policy:

Thank you for shopping with Saturn Shrimp & Aquascaping. We want to ensure you have the best experience building your underwater paradise. Because we specialize in both delicate live organisms and specialized equipment, please read our policy below regarding returns and refunds.

1. Live Stock & Aquatic Plants (Caridina Shrimp, Plants, etc.)

Due to the sensitive nature of live shrimp, fish, and aquatic plants, we cannot accept physical returns on these items. However, we do offer a Live Arrival Guarantee under the following strict conditions:

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy

• Timeframe: Any losses must be reported within 2 hours of the delivery time stamped by the courier, or within 2 hours of purchase if collected.

• Proof Required: You must send a clear photograph and video of the deceased livestock inside the original, unopened sealed bag to our official WhatsApp group or email.

• Resolution: Once verified, we will issue a store credit or replacement for the value of the lost livestock. Shipping/courier fees are non-refundable.

• Exclusions: We cannot guarantee survival once the livestock has been introduced to your aquarium, as water parameters, acclimation processes, and tank conditions are beyond our control.

2. Dry Goods & Hardware (Tanks, Substrates, Equipment)

For non-living items, we offer a 14-day return window from the date of purchase or delivery.

Conditions for a Return:

• The item must be completely unused, unopened, and in its original retail packaging.

• Sealed items (like bags of substrate or water treatments) must have their seals perfectly intact.

• You must provide a valid proof of purchase (receipt or invoice).

Non-Returnable Dry Goods:

• Used aquarium equipment (filters that have touched water, lights that have been installed).

• Partially used bags of substrate or soil.

• Gift cards or promotional items.

3. How to Process a Return

1. Contact Us: Reach out via our official WhatsApp channel or email to initiate a return request for dry goods.

2. Shipping: Customers are responsible for the courier costs of returning non-defective dry goods to our shop. Alternatively, items can be returned directly to the store during trading hours.

3. Inspection: Once received, we will inspect the item. If it meets our return criteria, your refund or store credit will be processed.

4. Refunds & Store Credit

• Approved Returns: Once your return is inspected and approved, we will process your refund. You can choose between a direct electronic refund or store credit / voucher.

• Processing Time: Direct refunds may take 3 to 7 business days to reflect in your account, depending on the banking institution.

• Sale & Promotional Items: Only regular-priced items may be refunded. Items bought on holiday clearance or special promotions are eligible for store credit only.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about your order, parameters, or this policy, please reach out directly:

• Contact: 076 901 5010

• Email: sales@saturnshrimp.co.za