Hideaway Reef FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping

How much is shipping?
Shipping rates vary based on your zip code and shipping zones with UPS. Because we ship with overnight delivery, carrier costs increase with longer distances. Orders over $350 ship free.
What happens if there is a shipping delay?
While rare, carrier delays can happen. Because we ship live coral, delays are outside of our control and are not covered under our arrive alive guarantee. We do our best to monitor weather and shipping conditions to reduce this risk.
When do orders ship?
Orders ship Monday through Wednesday to avoid possible weekend delays. Orders placed after Wednesday will be scheduled to ship the following week. Orders placed Mon-Wed before 2pm can normally be shipped the same day. We may hold shipments during extreme weather to protect the coral.
Which shipping method and carrier do you use?
UPS Overnight.
Do you combine multiple orders?
Yes. If you place multiple orders, please contact us so we can combine orders and ensure correct shipping charges.
Where do you ship?
We currently ship within the continental United States. We do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.

Local Pickup

Do you offer local visits or in-person shopping?
We offer in-person visits by appointment for customers ready to purchase. We’re happy to help you find specific pieces during your visit.
May I pick up my order instead of having it shipped?
Yes. Once your order is placed, we’ll contact you to coordinate a pickup time that works for you.

Returns & Arrive Alive

What is your arrive alive (DOA) policy?
We guarantee live arrival on all shipped coral. In the rare event of a DOA (dead on arrival), you must contact us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photos of the coral in the sealed bag, as well as additional photos of the coral out of the bag, along with your order details.

Claims submitted outside this timeframe will not be eligible.

Approved claims will be resolved with store credit for the coral value only (shipping costs are non-refundable).

The following conditions must be met:
• Someone must be available to receive the package on the first delivery attempt
• The coral must be photographed in the sealed bag before being removed

The guarantee does not cover:
• Carrier delays or missed deliveries
• Incorrect shipping information provided at checkout
• Packages left outside after delivery
• Losses due to tank conditions after arrival

If there is ever an issue, please reach out right away — we’re here to help.
Can I return live coral?
Due to the sensitive nature of live coral, we do not accept returns once an order has been delivered or picked up. If there is an issue with your order upon arrival, please contact us immediately so we can review the situation and assist under our arrive alive guarantee.

WYSIWYG & Inventory

Will the coral look exactly like the photo?
We do our best to represent each piece accurately. Corals are photographed under lighting that highlights fluorescence, and appearance can vary depending on your tank lighting, water parameters, and placement.
What lighting were photos taken under?
Photos are typically taken under a mix of reef lighting, often including whiter spectrum lighting for more accurate color representation. Some images may appear more blue depending on the lighting used.
Are your corals beginner friendly?
Some corals are more beginner friendly than others. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you choose something that fits your experience level.
Need help before ordering?
Contact us before checkout if you have questions about a coral, shipping weather, pickup timing, or combining orders.

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