Avoid these pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
please follow the path for success!
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One of the biggest mistakes when purchasing WYSIWYG corals is chasing the brightest colour without looking at the overall health and condition of the frag or colony.
Important things often overlooked include:
healthy tissue coverage
encrustment and growth structure
polyp extension
signs of recent stress or damage
A coral with stable health and strong growth potential will generally outperform a “hyper coloured” stressed frag long term.
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Many hobbyists forget that WYSIWYG coral photos are taken under specific reef lighting conditions.
Common mistakes include:
expecting identical colour under different aquarium lighting
comparing heavy blue lighting to white-light home systems
not acclimating corals to their own tank conditions properly
Coral appearance can vary depending on:
spectrum
intensity
nutrients
overall aquarium stability
Proper care and stable parameters are what help corals achieve their best long-term colouration.
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A common WYSIWYG mistake is impulse-buying beautiful corals without considering:
final colony size
aggression levels
lighting requirements
flow preferences
neighbouring coral compatibility
This often leads to:
coral warfare
poor placement conditions
unnecessary stress after repeated moving
Planning placement before purchase helps create a more stable and successful reef aquarium long term.
Help centre
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services
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🛫 Livestock Shipping (Corals, Fish, Inverts)
Overnight Express (Australia-wide)
Shipped via Team Global Express / air freight partners depending on route
Airport-to-Airport option available (customers collect from local airport freight terminal)
Door-to-door delivery available where supported
Typically dispatched on set shipping days (usually Monday–Tuesday) to reduce transit risk
Designed specifically for live arrival success
📦 Dry Goods Shipping
Standard parcel post via Australia Post / courier services
2–4 business days delivery (approx.)
Used for equipment, supplements, salt, and non-living products
🚚 Local Delivery (Victoria)
Hand-delivery available in select Melbourne areas (including Doncaster region)
Same-day or scheduled local drop-offs depending on run
⚠️ Important Shipping Rules
Livestock is packed and shipped under your Arrive Alive Guarantee
Orders are carefully scheduled to avoid weekend delays (no risky Friday holds for livestock)
WA / TAS / NT may have quarantine or species restrictions
Dry goods and livestock may be split into separate shipments depending on rules
💡 Key Point
We offer a specialised live arrival logistics system, not standard retail shipping - everything is structured around coral and fish survival, not just delivery speed.
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🐠 Return Policy
At Aquamarine Aquaristic, all livestock is handled under strict care standards to ensure the best possible arrival and long-term success.
🪸 Livestock (Corals, Fish & Invertebrates)
Covered under our Arrive Alive Guarantee
If an item arrives unwell or deceased, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery
Clear photos are required (in bag + out of bag, where applicable)
Once assessed, approved claims are issued as:
Store credit, or
Replacement (when available)
Shipping costs for replacement items are not covered unless the issue is significant or agreed upon case-by-case.
📦 Dry Goods
Must be returned unopened and unused
Returns must be requested within 7 days of delivery
Eligible for refund, store credit, or exchange (excluding shipping costs)
⚠️ Important Notes
We do not accept returns for change of mind on livestock
All livestock is unique and individually handled, making returns outside DOA/health issues not applicable
Proper acclimation and care conditions are required for all claims
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WYSIWYG stands for “What You See Is What You Get.”
In the reef aquarium hobby, WYSIWYG means the customer is purchasing the exact coral, frag, fish, or colony shown in the photo, rather than a generic example image.
At Aquamarine Aquaristic, WYSIWYG coral listings allow hobbyists to see the actual piece they are buying before it ships. This gives customers greater confidence in:
coral colouration
frag size and shape
encrustment and growth pattern
overall health and condition
Unlike generic stock photos, WYSIWYG listings show the real coral currently available within our systems.
This style of listing is especially popular for:
SPS coral frags
high-end collector corals
unique LPS colonies
rare colour morphs
aquacultured coral pieces
Because every coral naturally grows differently, no two frags are ever completely identical. WYSIWYG photography helps reef keepers select a coral that best suits their aquarium goals and preferences.
Our team focuses on clear and accurate photography under reef aquarium lighting conditions to help represent corals as naturally as possible. However, coral appearance can still vary depending on:
aquarium lighting spectrum
nutrient levels
water chemistry
coral placement and acclimation within the customer’s system
WYSIWYG coral systems have become one of the most trusted ways to purchase reef livestock online, helping hobbyists know exactly what they are adding to their reef aquarium before delivery.
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📦 How to Track Your Order
Once your order has been fulfilled and dispatched, you will automatically receive a tracking notification via SMS and/or email containing your tracking details.
All livestock orders are shipped with Team Global Express, and can be tracked in real time.
🛰 Live Tracking
Track your shipment (Team Global Express)
Team Global Express also provides a live map tracking system, allowing you to follow your delivery in real time from depot to door (or airport pickup depending on service).
