Buying plants off of internet? - Hawaii Discussion Area

theaznguy808 · 01-30-2011, 02:51 PM

Hey APC community, I just discovered this part of the forum.

There is no emoticon to describe my face when I found it.

Anyway, living on Oahu (I don't know anyone else really that does planted tanks or anything so I get my plants from LFS), I only get the "basic" aquarium plants. By "basic," I mean elodea, "baby tears" (bacopa ?), vallis, and occasionally the LFS has anubias v. nana and java moss.

I was considering buying plants off of the internet (because that what I hear to be one of the biggest sources of plants), but I'm not sure where to start. Also, my mother says something about the plants having to go through Dept. Agriculture or something...???

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Erirku · 01-31-2011, 05:15 PM

welcome to the aquascaping world! first off, buying plants from the internet will be a good place to a wide variety of plants! since hawaii is so limited! i would recommend u do a check on the plants, like their difficulty, requirements and how well they ship. then look up the sellers history and trader notifications and where they live! that is the most important info i can help with! good luck

theaznguy808 · 01-31-2011, 10:51 PM

Thanks Erirku!
Have you bought any plants online, and do you know if the plants have to go through Agriculture or something before you can get them?

Erirku · 02-01-2011, 12:31 AM

yes, i have bought many plants online and no they did not go through customs!

asglrain · 02-03-2011, 02:52 PM

are fish checked by customs from mainland? Just wounding if it would slow there shipment and decrease there chance of survivability. since there are few pet shops on the island.

plants seems to survive the trips very well. only got 1 set dead but those spent 1 month in transit from a foreign country.

Erirku · 02-03-2011, 06:05 PM

uhm, i would not recommend u to purchase live things unless u ship fedex! and it aint a pretty penny!

Kampi · 02-03-2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asglrain

are fish checked by customs from mainland? Just wounding if it would slow there shipment and decrease there chance of survivability. since there are few pet shops on the island.

plants seems to survive the trips very well. only got 1 set dead but those spent 1 month in transit from a foreign country.

The best way to find out about the plants and fish and customs for the Islands is to send some emails to reputable aquatic plant and fish dealers. Hawaii may have some different restrictions than the mainland because of its tropical climate. There are real problems with invasive species in your state. Not a problem here in Las Vegas, or St. Paul.

I have ordered plants and fish via UPS and FedEx, but shipping can be costly. I do think there are some aquarium clubs nearby; did you check this out? They may not be on your island but it could be a start.

theaznguy808 · 02-11-2011, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kampi

The best way to find out about the plants and fish and customs for the Islands is to send some emails to reputable aquatic plant and fish dealers. Hawaii may have some different restrictions than the mainland because of its tropical climate. There are real problems with invasive species in your state. Not a problem here in Las Vegas, or St. Paul.

I have ordered plants and fish via UPS and FedEx, but shipping can be costly. I do think there are some aquarium clubs nearby; did you check this out? They may not be on your island but it could be a start.

"Invasive species in your state"

I live about 50 feet or so away from THE Lake wilson, aka Wahiawa Reservoir. The salvinia molesta problem (or however you spell it) was absolutely TERRIBLE. It was really unbelievable.

gitusukka · 04-23-2011, 11:29 AM

Ebay!

tnt808 · 04-25-2011, 04:55 PM

you should check out aquascapes in Aiea they have alot of different plants.