Live Apocyclops Copepods (Apocyclops panamensi) - Reef Genetics

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we take pride in ensuring your order arrives safely and in perfect condition. Here’s everything you need to know about our shipping process:

Livestock Shipping Details

• Flat Rate Shipping:
• $39.99 Out of State
• $34.99 Florida (In-State)
• Orders over $299 ship FREE!
• NO FREE Shipping during Sale Events
• Shipping Days: The calendar during checkout determines when your livestock order will arrive. Normally we ship Monday - Thursday via FedEx Priority Overnight.
  Orders placed by 2 PM EST Monday - Thursday ship the same day. Orders placed after 2 PM or on Fridays will ship the next business day.
• Delivery Times: Most packages arrive by 10:30 AM EST, though remote areas may experience later deliveries.

We take every measure to protect your livestock, including specialized packaging to maintain temperature and safety during transit.

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy

In the rare event of a DOA, you must submit a DOA Request within 2 hours of delivery (FedEx posted time). Once submitted, we will issue a replacement or store credit for the livestock. Please note:

• Shipping costs are not included in the credit.
• Refunds are not offered for livestock or shipping.

While we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by mechanical or weather issues, rest assured we’ll do everything possible to make it right!

Reef Guard Protection Plan

For ultimate peace of mind, upgrade to our Reef Guard Protection Plan. With Reef Guard, you’ll enjoy:

• Extended Livestock Guarantee: Coverage for up to 5 days.
• Priority Resolutions: Hassle-free claims with fast resolutions.
• Weather & Shipping Delay Coverage: Includes FedEx lost packages and damages.

Shipping Restrictions

• We currently ship livestock only within the continental U.S.
• Note: Due to Hawaii state law, we are unable to ship corals to Hawaii.

Now’s the perfect time to prepare your aquarium for its new additions. Consider doing a water change and ensuring space is ready. Check out our YouTube channel for detailed care instructions for your new corals!

For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help make your reefing journey a success!

How We Capture Stunning Coral Photos

Our Gear:
We rely on the EOS R1 Mirrorless Camera for its unmatched ability to produce high-resolution, true-to-life images. This advanced camera is designed to excel in challenging lighting conditions, like those found in reef aquariums, capturing even the most subtle details with exceptional precision. Its fast focusing system ensures every shot is sharp, even in dynamic environments.

Our lens of choice is the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, a professional-grade macro lens specifically designed for close-up photography. This lens excels at capturing fine details like polyp extensions and intricate coral textures while maintaining accurate color reproduction. Its 100mm focal length allows us to shoot at a comfortable distance without disturbing the coral, and the advanced Image Stabilization (IS) ensures consistently sharp results. This is particularly important when photographing under water flow, where steady hands make all the difference.

Lighting Settings:
To bring out the vibrant fluorescence and rich hues of our corals, we photograph them under Ecotech Marine Radion XR30 Blues with these precise settings:

• 100% Violet
• 100% UV
• 100% Deep Blue
• 50% Blue

We also apply a custom white balance to ensure the colors you see in the photos match the corals' natural appearance in a properly lit aquarium.

We take great care with our photography to make sure every coral looks as vibrant and true-to-life as it does in person, so you can easily picture it thriving in your own reef.