We are first-time customers of Queen City Corals and decided to purchase two Black Light Anemones…read moreon 02/03/2025. My order was shipped on 02/04/2025 (Order #89196) and delivered on 02/05/2025 at 10:20 AM.
Given the many five-star reviews, I had high expectations. Their website claims a 99% Live Arrival Guarantee, that staff are trained to the highest standard of corals, and that each coral is securely triple-bagged and encapsulated in specific specimen containers to ensure live arrival. Unfortunately, these so-called commitments proved to be untrue.
Upon opening my package, I was immediately hit with a foul odor coming from each bag. The anemones displayed clear signs of distress, including open mouths, faded coloration, shrunken and deflated tentacles, a lack of response to stimuli, and visible tears on their bodies. The only positive aspect of my order was the mystery frags--a Birdsnest and a Neon Green Acropora--but even those were underwhelming.
I immediately contacted Queen City Corals' support team, but their response time was slow. When I called and spoke with the manager, I was assured that the anemones "just look pissed" but would recover after acclimation. Despite following the acclimation process exactly as instructed, the anemones began to deteriorate and melt in my tank. I attached images as evidence.
To prevent further damage to my reef tank's water quality, I removed the anemones and reached out to Queen City Corals again, seeking guidance on how they would rectify the situation. After receiving no response, I followed up the next day. When I called, a representative assured me that the manager would return my call. Hours passed with no response. Frustrated by the lack of communication, I called again and was once more told the manager would "look into it."
After much back and forth, they finally issued a refund for the Black Light Anemones but refused to refund the shipping cost--even though the corals were dead on arrival. While I understand that shipping costs are a shared loss, this situation clearly warranted a full refund for the entire order. Although a partial refund is better than nothing, the entire experience highlighted Queen City Corals' lack of communication, poor product quality, and false advertising. I strongly recommend looking elsewhere, such as Aqua SD or World Wide Corals, for better quality and service.
