We only ship Monday through Wednesday
Every order ships UPS or FedEx Overnight, and only Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. That way, if a carrier has a hiccup, your box isn't stuck in a cold warehouse all weekend. Orders placed Wednesday through Saturday ship the following Monday.
Insulated boxes, every time
Every order goes in an insulated box. The insulation slows heat loss, which buys your corals time.
Heat packs: our secret weapon
In cold weather, every box gets a 40-hour UniHeat heat pack. That's warmth well past an overnight trip, with room to spare if the truck runs late.
Packed fresh, shipped the same day
Before packing, we hold your pulled frags in our tanks for a few hours to make sure they're healthy and open. We pack in the afternoon, then drop the box off at the shipping hub at the end of the day. Less time in the box means happier corals.
Weather holds
Live coral comes first. If extreme cold (or heat), carrier delays, or holiday closures could put your corals at risk, we may hold your order for a week or more until it's safe to ship. We'll always let you know by email if your order is being held. A short wait beats a cold coral.
What you can do on delivery day
- Be home, or have someone there, to bring the box inside right away.
- Track your box so you know when it's out for delivery.
- Open it in a dim room, and take photos before you start acclimating.
- Check the heat pack. It should still feel warm. That's a good sign.
- Follow our step-by-step acclimation guide.
Backed by our DOA Guarantee
If a coral arrives dead, email clear photos to info@ncpolypfarms.com within 2 hours of delivery and we'll make it right. Read the full details on our Shipping and DOA policy page.
Live near Asheville?
Skip shipping altogether. Choose local pickup at checkout, or pick up at our booth at an upcoming show. No heat pack required.
Shop frags and we'll keep them cozy on the way to you.