Now Offering Local Pickup (Sterling, IL)! Starting March 6th /NEW STOCK: Coming Soon!
Mama T's Aquatics
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⚠️ WINTER SHIPPING: Please Read!
Please add "Cold Weather Protection" if your temps are below 40°F. We ship via [Priority/UPS] to ensure the safety of survival before the heat pack expire.
Mama T’s Shipping Safety Zones (January 2026)
Safety Level Transit Time States Included Winter Requirement
🟢 SAFE ZONE1 - 2 Days IL, IA, WI, MO, IN, MN, MI Standard Priority + Heat Pack is usually safe.
🟡 CAUTION ZONE2 - 3 Days OH, KY, NE, KS, ND, SD, TN, AR Mandatory Heat Pack. We only ship these on Mondays.
🔴 HIGH RISK3 - 4+ Days The Coasts: CA, WA, OR, NY, FL, ME, TX, etc. UPS 2-Day Air Highly Recommended. USPS is too slow for 40-hr heat packs.
- "If you live in the Green (Midwest), Standard Shipping is safe!"
- "If you live in the Red or Blue (Coasts), please upgrade to 2-Day Air."
ACCLIMATION
DO NOT FLOAT IN BREATHER BAG! LET THEM SET AT LEAST IN ROOM TEMPRATURE TO GET ACCLIMATED AND WARMED UP FROM SHIPPING, THEN GET A BUCKET OR TUB TO DRIP ACCLIMATE THEM TO YOUR WATER. THIS WILL ENSURE THE SURVIVAL.
Why UPS 1 Day or 2 Day?
Because I ship from Northern Illinois, our aquatic friends start their journey in the cold! Our 40-hour heat packs are like a small battery—they only have 40 hours of 'life.' If you live on the Coast, USPS often takes 72+ hours, meaning the 'blanket' runs out of heat before the snail arrives. Please choose UPS 1 Day or UPS 2-Day to keep them cozy!
Mama T’s Live Arrival Shipping Schedule
- Monday & Tuesday: All Live Animals and Plant orders ship out.
- Tuesday at 10:00 AM CST: Weekly Shipping Cutoff. Orders placed after this time will be held until the following Monday. This ensures your animals aren't sitting in a cold warehouse over the weekend.
- Wednesday – Sunday: No live shipments. We spend this time prepping your orders, fasting the fish (to keep their water clean in the bag), and monitoring the weather.
- Emerald Green Snail Food: Ships Monday through Friday via Standard Mail.
Note on Weather Delays: If temperatures in Sterling, IL or your delivery zip code are below 35°F, we may hold your order for a few days until it is safe to ship. We will always email you if your "departure date" changes!
NEW ARRIVALS & PRE-ORDER STATUS Updated: February 25th | Nex
Updated: February 25th | Next Local Pickup: March 11th
The following livestock is currently in conditioning and available for Pre-Order. To ensure the highest quality, these fish are being fed our quarantined to ensure they are healthy and eating well before they go to their new homes.
- 🌶️ Chili Rasboras — Hand-picked for vibrant red color.
- ✨ Apisto Gold Rams — Stunning centerpiece cichlids.
- 💎 Kribensis — Hardy, active, and beautiful.
- 🍀 Platinum Green Barbs — High-shine metallic favorites.
HARDSCAPE & BOTANICALS (In Stock Now):
- 🍂 Catappa (Almond) Leaves — 5-pack for natural tannins.
- 🥥 Coconut Halves — Sustainable natural caves.
Updated: March 4, 2026
Plants are getting in today! Can use Swap pick up for April 15th or Local Pickup or simply have it shipped to you.
Updated stock:
Dwarf Sagittaria
Marble Oueen- NEW
Vesuvius- NEW
Java Fern
Moneywort-NEW
Bolbitis Mini-NEW
Potted Plants for Beginner hobbyists and Bare Rooted Plants
Potted plants
Potted plants are a great way to go if you are in the middle of an aquascape and don't know where you are going to place it or for the beginner plant hobbyist it is the easiest way to plant it.
Bare-Root Plants
For the more advanced hobbyist that knows how to get the roots right down and placement for their aquascape, I got you covered!
Bare-Root vs. Potted
🌱 Rooted in Value. Plant More. Spend Less.
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💧 Why Choose Bare‑Root?
- Up to 40% savings compared to potted plants
- Eco‑friendly: less plastic, less waste
- Ready to plant: just place directly into your aquascape
Advantages to potted plants:
Just drop into the tank and let the roots get established
Won't float to the top
Easier for beginners
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🪴 Healthy Plants. Honest Prices.
Thank you for choosing Mama’s T’s Aquatics!
Prices listed are subject to change. Thank you for understanding.
MYSTERY SNAIL "Snack Bar"
Treats you can feed
Mystery Snails thrive on a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diets, including favorites like 🍎 Apple & Strawberry, 🥬 Spinach & Kale, 🍠 Sweet Potato, and 🍉 Watermelon. You can also consider adding Zucchini, Sweet Potatoes, and Green Beans to their meals. If you're looking for the best aquatic supplies for your snails, check out your local fish store in Sterling IL. Remember to remove any uneaten items after 24 hours.
Click below to get your Emerald Growth today!
Get ready for an adventure like no other! Mama's T's Aquatics is proud to offer a food that is for multiple invertebrates and crustaceans' alike. Plus, fry! This is packed with tons of protein, vitamins and calcium. "Pair with Kats Aquatics Calcium Chips for the ultimate Mystery Snail health regimen!" "Pair with Kats Aquatics Calcium Chips for the ultimate Mystery Snail, shrimp and more for a great health regimen!" Get yours today! Click the link below.