Refund & Returns Policy

Effective Date: May 18, 2026

Welcome to Reef Route Aquatics. This Refund & Returns Policy explains how refunds, returns, cancellations, exchanges, deposits, and service-related credits are handled for all aquarium-related products and services provided by Reef Route Aquatics, based in Murfreesboro.

This policy is designed to comply with modern e-commerce transparency standards, including requirements commonly associated with Google Merchant Center, Google Shopping, Search Console merchant experiences, and general online consumer transparency guidelines.


1. Contact Information

If you have questions regarding refunds, returns, exchanges, or cancellations, please contact:

Reef Route Aquatics
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
Phone: (615) 410-7038
Email: reefrouteaquatics@gmail.com

Website: reefrouteaquatics.com


2. General Policy Overview

Due to the specialized and sensitive nature of aquarium livestock, aquatic systems, custom installations, water chemistry products, and service labor, not all purchases are eligible for return or refund.

Refund eligibility depends on:

  • The type of product or service purchased
  • Product condition
  • Installation status
  • Livestock health conditions
  • Service completion status
  • Manufacturer restrictions
  • Safety and contamination concerns

All refund and return requests must be submitted by email or phone before any item is returned.


3. Aquarium Service Refund Policy

Routine Aquarium Maintenance Services

Routine maintenance services, including:

  • Reef aquarium maintenance
  • Freshwater aquarium maintenance
  • Commercial aquarium service
  • Water testing
  • Water changes
  • Equipment cleaning
  • Scheduled maintenance visits

are considered completed services once work has been performed.

Non-Refundable Services

Completed labor services are generally non-refundable.

However, Reef Route Aquatics may issue:

  • Partial refunds
  • Service credits
  • Corrective service visits

at our sole discretion if a verified service-related issue occurred.


Prepaid Service Plans

For prepaid maintenance plans:

  • Unused future service visits may be canceled with written notice.
  • Refunds for unused visits may be prorated.
  • Completed visits are non-refundable.
  • Promotional discounts may be removed from prorated refunds.

Missed Appointment & Cancellation Policy

Clients must provide at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule appointments.

Failure to provide notice may result in:

  • A cancellation fee
  • Loss of deposit
  • Full service charge for reserved time

If Reef Route Aquatics must cancel due to weather, emergencies, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances, clients may reschedule or receive a service credit.


4. Aquarium Installation Refund Policy

Deposits

Custom aquarium installations, system builds, plumbing projects, cabinetry work, and special-order systems typically require deposits.

Deposit Terms

Deposits are generally:

  • Non-refundable
  • Used to secure scheduling
  • Used to purchase materials and equipment
  • Used to reserve labor and design time

Once special-order materials or equipment have been purchased, deposits become fully non-refundable.


Custom Builds & Special Orders

Custom-built, made-to-order, modified, or specially sourced items are non-refundable unless:

  • The wrong item was supplied
  • The item arrived damaged
  • The product is defective upon arrival

This includes:

  • Custom aquariums
  • Custom sumps
  • Custom cabinetry
  • Special-order lighting
  • Plumbing assemblies
  • Custom filtration systems

5. Dry Goods Return Policy

Eligible unopened dry goods may be returned within 30 days of delivery or pickup, consistent with commonly referenced Google merchant transparency standards.

Eligible items may include:

  • Aquarium equipment
  • Pumps
  • Filters
  • Lighting
  • Dry additives
  • Aquarium accessories

To qualify for return:

  • Items must be unused
  • Items must be in original packaging
  • Items must include all components and manuals
  • Proof of purchase is required

Non-Returnable Products

The following items are non-returnable:

  • Opened water treatments
  • Opened additives
  • Salt mixes
  • Frozen foods
  • Live foods
  • Used equipment
  • Electrical items exposed to water
  • Custom orders
  • Clearance items
  • Gift cards
  • Perishable items

6. Livestock Policy

Due to the delicate and highly variable nature of aquatic livestock, all sales involving:

  • Fish
  • Coral
  • Invertebrates
  • Live rock
  • Macroalgae
  • Other living organisms

are generally final.


6A. Saltwater Fish Guarantee

Reef Route Aquatics is committed to providing healthy, properly conditioned saltwater fish and supporting customers through successful aquarium livestock additions.

Duration

Our Saltwater Fish Guarantee lasts for 10 calendar days beginning on the date of acclimation.

This guarantee is intended to help ensure your new saltwater fish adapt successfully to your aquarium system.


Coverage

This guarantee applies only to:

  • Saltwater fish purchased directly from Reef Route Aquatics

This guarantee does not apply to:

  • Freshwater fish
  • Corals
  • Invertebrates
  • Plants
  • Macroalgae
  • Live rock

Guarantee Exclusions

This guarantee does not cover losses caused by, related to, or associated with:

  • Power outages
  • Improper acclimation
  • Aggression, abuse, or harassment from other fish or aquarium inhabitants
  • Negligence or improper aquarium maintenance
  • Poor water quality or unstable aquarium parameters
  • Unauthorized changes or modifications to the aquarium system
  • Introduction of unquarantined livestock
  • Medication overdoses or chemical contamination
  • Equipment failure
  • Acts of God, natural disasters, or environmental events
  • Failure to follow husbandry recommendations provided by Reef Route Aquatics

Reef Route Aquatics reserves the right to deny claims when aquarium conditions are determined to be unsafe or unsuitable for marine livestock.


Deceased Livestock Removal Requirement

If a saltwater fish passes away during the guarantee period, the deceased animal must be removed from the aquarium immediately.

Failure to promptly remove deceased livestock may:

  • Void remaining livestock guarantees
  • Negatively impact aquarium water quality
  • Contribute to additional livestock losses

Claim Notification Requirements

To submit a guarantee claim, customers must:

  1. Take a clear photograph of the deceased fish
  2. Submit the photo by email to:
    service@reefrouteaquatics.com
  3. Submit the claim within 10 days of purchase

Claims submitted outside the guarantee period may be denied.


Resolution of Approved Claims

Upon verification of:

  • Livestock loss
  • Aquarium conditions
  • Compliance with this policy

Reef Route Aquatics may, at its sole discretion, provide:

  • Replacement livestock
  • Store credit
  • Partial refund
  • Full refund

Resolutions are determined on a case-by-case basis.


Limitation of Liability

While Reef Route Aquatics takes extensive measures to provide healthy marine livestock, we cannot control environmental conditions, maintenance practices, or aquarium variables after livestock leaves our care.

By purchasing livestock from Reef Route Aquatics, customers acknowledge the inherent risks associated with keeping marine animals.


6B. Live Arrival Guarantee (Online Orders)

For eligible online livestock shipments arranged by Reef Route Aquatics, a Live Arrival Guarantee may apply.


Dead on Arrival (DOA) Claims

If livestock arrives deceased (“DOA”):

  • Customers must email:
    service@reefrouteaquatics.com
  • Within 4 hours of confirmed delivery
  • Including a clear photograph of the deceased specimen in the original unopened shipping bag when possible

Approved DOA claims are generally eligible for:

  • Store credit
  • Replacement livestock

Shipping charges are non-refundable.


24-Hour Online Livestock Guarantee

Eligible online saltwater fish orders may include a limited 24-hour livestock guarantee beginning at the documented delivery time.

To qualify:

  • Claims must be submitted on the same day as delivery
  • A clear digital photograph must be provided
  • Livestock must have been properly acclimated

Approved claims typically receive store credit only.

Shipping charges are non-refundable.


Shipping & Carrier Delay Exclusions

The Live Arrival Guarantee may not apply to losses caused by:

  • Weather delays
  • Flight delays
  • Mechanical failures
  • Carrier mishandling
  • Incorrect delivery information
  • Missed delivery attempts
  • Recipient unavailability
  • Delivery refusal
  • Other shipping carrier errors beyond our control

Reef Route Aquatics reserves the right to determine guarantee eligibility in shipping-related incidents.


6C. Coral Sales Policy

All coral sales are final.

Due to the sensitive and variable nature of coral health, coloration, lighting conditions, and aquarium environments:

  • No refunds
  • No exchanges
  • No returns

are provided for coral purchases unless otherwise required by law.


Live Arrival Issues

If livestock arrives dead or severely damaged during delivery arranged by Reef Route Aquatics:

  • Notification must occur within 2 hours of delivery
  • Clear photos must be provided
  • Livestock must remain unopened when applicable

Approved claims may receive:

  • Store credit
  • Replacement livestock
  • Partial refund

Refunds are not provided for losses caused by:

  • Improper acclimation
  • Poor water quality
  • Existing tank aggression
  • Equipment failure
  • Power outages
  • Customer negligence
  • Parameter instability

7. Equipment Warranty Disclaimer

Many products sold by Reef Route Aquatics are covered by manufacturer warranties rather than direct company warranties.

Customers may be directed to the manufacturer for:

  • Defective products
  • Warranty replacements
  • Technical support

Reef Route Aquatics does not guarantee manufacturer warranty approvals.


8. Refund Processing Times

Approved refunds are typically processed within:

  • 5–10 business days for credit/debit card payments
  • 3–7 business days for electronic payments
  • Store credits may be issued faster

Original processing fees, merchant fees, shipping fees, and delivery costs may be deducted where permitted.


9. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

Customers agree to contact Reef Route Aquatics before initiating payment disputes or chargebacks.

Fraudulent or abusive chargebacks may result in:

  • Service refusal
  • Collection efforts
  • Legal action where applicable

10. Return Shipping & Transport Responsibility

Customers are responsible for:

  • Return shipping costs
  • Safe packaging
  • Insurance during transit

Reef Route Aquatics is not responsible for items damaged during return shipping.


11. Refused Service Rights

Reef Route Aquatics reserves the right to refuse:

  • Returns
  • Refunds
  • Exchanges
  • Future service

in cases involving:

  • Fraud
  • Abuse
  • Unsafe environments
  • Harassment
  • Misrepresentation
  • Policy violations

12. Policy Visibility & Compliance

This Refund & Returns Policy is publicly accessible and intended to comply with transparency expectations commonly associated with:

  • Google Merchant Center
  • Google Shopping
  • Google Search merchant experiences
  • Consumer protection transparency practices
  • Structured merchant policy guidelines

Reef Route Aquatics reserves the right to update this policy at any time without prior notice.

Continued use of our website or services constitutes acceptance of this policy.