FAQ's | South East Cichlids

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I place an order through South East Cichlids?

The best way to place an order is through the SEC website. We have hundreds of fish in our inventory, and the website's inventory is always up to date.

How are the fish shipped to me?

We highly recommend shipping fish via Delta Cargo, which requires customers to pick them up at their local airport of choice. the reason we use delta cargo as our 1st choice is because shipments are delivered the same day, the package does not pass through as many as hands as other methods, and they provide insurance on all packages should anything happen.

We also ship FedEx Priority Overnight ONLY to customers who are unable to travel to an airport. The cost is higher than Delta Cargo, but the fish will arrive to your home the following Morning. Please contact us directly via email or phone if you prefer FedEx Shipping.

How are the fish packed?

The Fish are packed in Styrofoam coolers or insulated boxes with heat packs during winter months. We do charge a $25.00 packing fee for larger shipments and $12.50 packing fee for smaller shipments.

Where do the fish come from?

The fish are imported from over seas- We have shipments that come directly from Africa & Germany from our suppliers.

How does the Pre-Order Process work?

We do offer our customers the opportunity to pre-order fish from our suppliers lists! Whenever we announce a pre-order you will be able to request available fish prior to their arrival. Quantities may be limited which is why the pre-order is first come, first serve. All Pre-orders require a 50%deposit (minimum) to ensure those fish will be held for you.

Do you quarantine your fish?

YES! All fish that arrive are subject to a MINIMUM 2 week quarantine- NO EXCEPTIONS. South East Cichlids has a strict policy about only shipping fish that are deemed healthy to travel. This is to ensure all of our customers receive healthy, quality fish for their aquariums.

Should I quarantine my fish?

ABSOLUTELY! We cannot stress the importance of a QT (quarantine) Tank enough! Your fish should be quarantined for at least 48 hours upon their arrival. We recommend you keep them in QT with the lights OFF, and do not feed them for the first 48 hours. Then you should introduce them to their new forever tank. A QT Tank is also a must if your fish should ever get sick or injured.

What should I feed my new African cichlids?

We feed all of our African Cichlids NorthFin fish food, which is now available on the site! Please let us know if you would like to try it, or order any that can be shipped directly along with your new fish! It's a convenient easy way to make sure you have everything you need to keep your fish on a healthy diet. NorthFin is a high quality food with no binders, fillers or additives which will reduce illnesses such as bloat. Let us know if you'd like more info.