Ordering live fish online is a brilliant way to find species you can’t get locally, but when the temperature drops, getting them to your door safely takes a bit more planning. At Universal Aquatics we deliver livestock across the UK all year round, and over the winter months we change the way we pack to give your fish the best possible journey.
In this post, we explain why cold weather makes delivery harder, what we do differently in winter, and how you can help your new fish settle in once they arrive.
Why is winter delivery harder for live fish?
Fish are cold blooded, so their body temperature matches the water around them. Tropical fish in particular are used to water of around 24°C to 26°C, and a sudden drop can stress them and weaken their immune system.
The bags of water fish travel in are fairly small, so they lose heat much faster than an aquarium or pond would. On a cold night, a box sitting in a courier depot or van can cool down quickly.
For years, the standard answer has been a heat pack in the box. The problem is that heat packs are not as reliable as many people think. In our experience, once the outside temperature falls below around 5°C, they struggle to produce enough warmth to make a real difference. So in winter, we don’t rely on them alone.
How we pack livestock in the colder months
Keeping fish warm in transit is less about adding heat and more about holding on to the heat that’s already there. That’s why, through the colder months, we add extra insulation to every livestock box.
Insulation works a bit like a good winter coat. It slows down the rate at which warmth escapes from the water, helping the bags stay at a safer temperature overnight while your order is on its way. Our packing in winter focuses on:
- Extra insulation around the bags to help hold in warmth throughout the journey, including overnight.
- Filling every gap in the box so there’s no cold air moving around the bags and they can’t shift about in transit.
- Securely sealed bags with plenty of oxygen, so your fish stay comfortable from our shop to your door.
- Clear labelling so the courier knows the box contains live fish and needs careful handling.
You can see more about how we prepare every order in our Live Fish Packing Guide.
When your fish will arrive, and how you can help
Livestock orders are delivered by DX Couriers on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, between 8am and 1pm. Morning delivery means your fish spend as little time as possible in the box, and you have the rest of the day to settle them in.
A few simple steps on delivery day make a big difference, especially in winter:
- Be at home to receive the box: A parcel left on a cold doorstep or with a neighbour loses warmth quickly.
- Bring the box indoors straight away and keep it somewhere at normal room temperature.
- Don’t open it in a cold garage, shed or conservatory: Unpack your fish in the room where their tank is.
- Keep it away from radiators and heaters: Warming the bags too quickly is just as stressful as letting them cool down.
- Have your aquarium ready: Check the heater is working and the temperature is correct before your fish arrive.
Settling your fish in after a cold journey
If the water in the bags feels cooler than your tank, don’t panic. The key is to bring the temperature up gently rather than all at once. Here’s how we recommend acclimatising your fish:
- Dim the lights in the room and switch off the aquarium light to keep stress to a minimum.
- Float the sealed bags on the surface of your aquarium for around 15 to 20 minutes. In winter, allow a little longer so the temperature can even out slowly.
- Open the bag and add a small amount of tank water, then repeat every few minutes over the next 20 to 30 minutes. This helps your fish adjust to your water as well as the temperature.
- Gently net the fish into the aquarium: Try not to tip the bag water into your tank.
- Leave the lights off for a few hours so your new fish can explore and settle in peace.
- Hold off feeding until the next day: Fish are rarely hungry after a journey, and uneaten food will only pollute the water.
A thermometer makes this much easier, as you can check the water in the bag against your tank before you release your fish.
Ordering pond fish in winter? Garden ponds can be far colder than the water your fish have travelled in, so give us a call before you order and we’ll help you work out the safest way to introduce them. Our winter pond fish guide also explains how fish behave in cold water.
What if something goes wrong?
We do everything we can to make sure every fish arrives healthy, but live animals are always affected by the journey, and winter brings extra challenges. If a fish doesn’t make it, please get in touch with us as soon as possible after your delivery arrives.
A short video or photos of the unopened bag make it quick and easy for us to look into it and put things right. You can find the full details in our Returns and Shipping policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to order live fish online in winter?
Yes, as long as they’re packed properly and you’re ready for them when they arrive. We add extra insulation to our livestock boxes in the colder months, and our morning delivery slots help keep journey times short.
Do heat packs keep fish warm during delivery?
They can help in mild weather, but in our experience they become much less effective once the temperature drops below around 5°C. That’s why we rely on insulation to hold in warmth during the winter months.
How long can fish survive in a bag?
Healthy fish packed correctly can travel comfortably for the length of a typical overnight courier journey. Opening the box and settling your fish in promptly once it arrives is the best way to keep them healthy.
Should I warm the bag up quickly if it feels cold?
No. Sudden temperature changes are stressful for fish. Float the sealed bag in your aquarium and let the temperature even out gradually, then slowly mix in tank water before releasing your fish.
Can I collect my fish instead?
If you’re local to Stoke-on-Trent, you’re welcome to choose your fish in person at our shop in Fenton, where our team can bag them for the short trip home.
Healthy fish, whatever the weather
Cold weFrequently asked questionsather doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring to add to your aquarium. With careful winter packing and a little preparation at your end, your new fish can arrive ready to settle straight into their new home.
Browse our latest tropical fish and coldwater fish, or ring the shop on 01782 438 004 if you’d like advice on timing your order this winter.
