We take care to pack every order safely and choose the most appropriate shipping method based on the products in your cart. Shipping requirements may vary for live koi, aquatic plants, fish food, and pond equipment.
Order Processing
Most in-stock orders are prepared for shipment as quickly as possible. Processing times may vary depending on product availability, order size, weather conditions, and the type of items being shipped.
Live koi and aquatic plants may require additional scheduling to help protect them during transit.
You’ll receive tracking information by email once your order has shipped.
Live Koi Shipping
Live koi require special packaging and careful scheduling. Each fish is securely bagged with water and oxygen, then placed in an insulated shipping container designed for live transport.
Live fish orders are shipped on select days to reduce the chance of delays over weekends or holidays. Shipment dates may also be adjusted due to extreme heat, freezing temperatures, severe weather, or carrier disruptions.
Someone should be available to receive the package at the time of delivery. Please inspect the shipment immediately and begin the acclimation process as soon as possible.
For full details, review our Shipping & Live Arrival information on each koi product page.
Aquatic Plant Shipping
Aquatic plants are packed to help retain moisture and protect delicate growth during transit. Depending on the season, plants may arrive trimmed, dormant, recently divided, or smaller than their mature appearance.
Minor yellowing, bent leaves, or soil movement can occur during shipping and does not always indicate a problem. Most plants recover quickly once placed in the proper growing conditions.
Plant shipments may be delayed during severe heat or cold when shipping could damage the plant.
Fish Food and Pond Supplies
Fish food, treatments, testing supplies, and other smaller pond products are shipped using standard parcel carriers.
To help preserve freshness, store fish food in a cool, dry location after delivery and keep the package tightly sealed.
Some treatments or liquid products may have shipping restrictions based on destination or carrier requirements.
Pond Equipment
Pumps, filters, aeration systems, UV clarifiers, and other pond equipment may ship separately from the rest of your order.
Large, heavy, or oversized products may require additional handling or freight shipping. When this applies, shipping details will be displayed during checkout or confirmed before the order is shipped.
Please review product dimensions, specifications, and compatibility before placing your order.
Split Shipments
Orders containing different product types may arrive in separate packages. For example, live koi will not be packed in the same shipment as pond equipment or fish food.
You may receive more than one tracking number when an order is divided into multiple shipments.
Shipping Rates
Shipping charges are calculated based on the products ordered, package size, weight, destination, and required delivery method.
Live koi, oversized equipment, and certain specialty items may have separate shipping charges.
Any available shipping options and costs will be shown during checkout.
Delivery Areas and Restrictions
Shipping availability may vary by product and destination. Some live products, oversized items, liquids, or manufacturer-direct products may not be available for shipment to every location.
We may contact you if an item cannot be shipped to your address or if another delivery option is needed.
Live animals and plants should be shipped to a physical street address where someone can receive the package. Avoid using a location where the package may sit unattended for an extended period.
Local Pickup
Local pickup may be available for select products and live koi. Orders must be confirmed as ready before pickup.
Please do not travel to the store or pickup location until you have received confirmation that your order is prepared.
Weather Delays
The safety of live koi and aquatic plants comes first. We may postpone shipment when temperatures or weather conditions create an increased risk during transit.
If your order needs to be delayed, we will contact you to arrange the next appropriate shipping date.
Damaged or Missing Orders
Inspect your shipment as soon as it arrives. If an item is damaged, missing, or incorrect, contact Morganton Ponds promptly with:
- Your order number
- Photos of the item
- Photos of the shipping box and packaging
- A brief description of the issue
Keep all packaging materials until the issue has been reviewed.
Claims involving live koi are handled according to the Live Arrival Guarantee provided with the product.
Address Changes
Please review your shipping address carefully before completing your order. Contact us as soon as possible if a correction is needed.
Once an order has entered processing or has been transferred to the carrier, we may not be able to change the delivery address.
Questions About Shipping?
Contact Morganton Ponds before ordering if you have questions about live fish delivery, plant shipping, oversized equipment, local pickup, or product availability. We’ll help you choose the best option for your order.