Terms of Service

These terms describe the conditions under which Gulf Coast Aquatics ("we", "us", "our") operates our store at 2847 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239, and the website at gulfcoastaquatics.locuspilot.com.

Livestock sales

All livestock sales are in-store only. We do not ship fish, corals or invertebrates. All livestock leaves the store with the buyer.

Livestock guarantee

We back the health of every fish we sell. Every fish runs through a minimum two-week quarantine before sale. If a fish dies within 7 days of a documented healthy purchase and you can provide water parameter test results, contact us — we will work with you on replacement or store credit.

The guarantee does not cover deaths caused by buyer-side issues: uncycled tanks, parameter swings, incompatible tankmates, mishandled acclimation, or chlorine/chloramine in untreated tap water.

Coral and invertebrate sales

Corals and invertebrates are sold as-is. Once they leave the store, survival depends on tank conditions we cannot verify. We dip every coral on intake and run an observation period before sales-floor release, but do not guarantee coral survival post-sale.

Special orders

Special orders for specific species or coral colonies require advance notice. We will quote price and timeline before placing the order. Special-order livestock is non-refundable once ordered from the wholesaler.

In-store advice

Stocking, equipment and water-chemistry advice provided in-store is based on our experience and the information you provide. We strive to give honest, accurate guidance, but final results depend on your tank conditions, maintenance practices, and the specific livestock involved. Following our advice does not guarantee outcomes.

Free in-store water testing

Free water testing is offered as a courtesy, no purchase required. Results are based on the equipment we use (Salifert, Hanna kits) and the water sample you provide. We are not liable for tank issues arising from acting on water-test interpretations.

Returns and exchanges

Unopened, non-livestock items in resaleable condition may be returned within 14 days of purchase with proof of purchase. Livestock cannot be returned once it has left the store, except as covered by our livestock guarantee above.

Store hours and access

Store hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. We close occasionally for holidays or weather events; we'll post notice on our website and storefront when possible.

Website content

Website content (text, images, guides) is provided for informational purposes. We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate but cannot guarantee correctness for every reader's situation. Do not rely on our website as a sole source for emergency tank issues — contact us directly or another qualified resource.

Limitation of liability

To the extent permitted by Florida law, Gulf Coast Aquatics is not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of our website, in-store advice, or purchased livestock and equipment. Our liability is limited to the amount paid for the specific item or service in question.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Any disputes will be resolved in courts located in Sarasota County, Florida.

Changes

We may update these terms occasionally. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.

Contact

Questions about these terms: email info@gulfcoastaquatics.com or call (941) 555-0178 during store hours.