Local Guides World
Best Aquatic centres in United Kingdom
Top Rated Aquatic centres
Top Reviewed Aquatic centres
Weston Aquatics
Amwell Aquatics
Ely Exotics
Advanced Aquarium Consultancy
Riverwood Aquatics
The Aquatic Store
Friendly Fish Aquatics
Tranquil Waters Aquatic Centre
Reviews
Never been before loved it gd price on pond plants etc very friendly happy to help
Great place. Everything you need is on the shelf. A large variety of fish and plants. Frequent deliveries, so everything is healthy and fresh. Nice service. Parking on site.
6 weeks ago myself and my partner and I bought our 4ft tank from here. This is our first tank and these guys have been exceptionally helpful. We have had lots of questions and they have always been available to answer even out of hours. Just purchased some more fish today! And the shop was busy but the guy who served us was very patient as we were asking lots of questions even checked our water perimeters nothing is to much trouble. Great job guys keep it up a lovely shop I won't be going anywhere else ever.
I’ve had fish for a few years now, I know how to look after and maintain my tank, including checking the PH levels of the water. I recently visited this place and bought some fish. But in the last 2 weeks the 5 of the fish I bought out of 6 (molly, tetra and Mickey Mouse fish) have died. I’ve never had this issue before and I’m quite annoyed. There is nothing wrong with the living condition of these fish in my home either. I won’t be returning. Be warned if you buy fish from here you may experience the same problem.
Friendly staff, with wide range selection of tropical and cold water fish very knowledgeable couldn’t recommend anymore they are brilliant.
I’ve bought several fish, tanks and lives plants from this location since my time living here in Bristol. This shop truly care about fish and aquatic animals, they are also very knowledgeable with all things aquatic. Everytime I come here I feel like a kid in a candy store 😅. Can’t recommend these guys enough.
By far the best fresh water shop I've been to, great stock ALWAYS healthy animals, best thing is the staff will take the time to actually talk to you and they are very much clued up. I've learned everything from them and my tanks ran for 3 years I even upgraded in size and went here because the price can't be beat on the rio. Massive plus, I add fish straight to my tank from these guys and don't use My 100L hospital tank because I 100% trust their water and animal care
Wow!!!! These guys know their stuff. The shop apears small from the outside, but it goes back and back, and has absolutely everything you need. The fish are amazing even some I had never seen before. Absolutely fabulous place, came away with alot more than we went in for. Thank you.
I spoke to Alan today, who was able to exceed my level of expectations for the level of help I was looking for during my visit.
Alan had a vast wealth of knowledge that was easy for me to understand and did not make me feel overwhelmed.
From being able to provide assistance for parts for filters, to landscaping a new aquarium, selecting from a huge verities of indoor and outdoor fish to selecting the perfect complement of food, Tranquil Waters Aquatic Centre has it all.
( If by chance they don't, they can also order in for you, so it's still worth asking)
Various payment options are available, and you can also visit their website.
Alan had a vast wealth of knowledge that was easy for me to understand and did not make me feel overwhelmed.
From being able to provide assistance for parts for filters, to landscaping a new aquarium, selecting from a huge verities of indoor and outdoor fish to selecting the perfect complement of food, Tranquil Waters Aquatic Centre has it all.
( If by chance they don't, they can also order in for you, so it's still worth asking)
Various payment options are available, and you can also visit their website.
Great place with very helpful and professional staff. Great choice of aquatic animals, equipment, ornaments and real aquatics plants. The best aquatic store in Bristol to visit
Highly recommend this place- amazing staff who are very friendly and helpful. They have such an incredible range of reptiles, ones that are hard to find which is great if you want something other than a bearded dragon or leopard gecko (although they have these guys too!). Very reasonably priced!
Animals all have nicely designed enclosures which are all spotlessly clean. Shop is well organised and clean/tidy.
Ended up getting quite a few animals and even ended up going back the next day! They even update their animal list every Friday which is such an amazing idea and the reason I traveled over an hour to go and will continue to do so!
If you haven’t been- you must!
Thank you Tom, Jack & Co!
Animals all have nicely designed enclosures which are all spotlessly clean. Shop is well organised and clean/tidy.
Ended up getting quite a few animals and even ended up going back the next day! They even update their animal list every Friday which is such an amazing idea and the reason I traveled over an hour to go and will continue to do so!
If you haven’t been- you must!
Thank you Tom, Jack & Co!
I don’t think there is any other shop in Uk that you can get the information, product and price as good as this shop.
The selection of aquatic products are vast from aquariums to pond’s.
The selection of aquatic products are vast from aquariums to pond’s.
Popped in as I was curious about getting a co2 kit for my nano tank. They gave me a few options and I walked out with a fire extinguisher, solenoid, glass diffuser, pipes and some floating plants. Sometimes it's just better to visit a shop rather than order online. I'll probably go back for a bigger aquarium one day.
May be ok if buying in person, but if buying online I'd recommend looking elsewhere.
In-stock item purchased as a gift on 19th Jan with a hefty postage charge for 2-3 day delivery. Emailed and called multiple times for an update between 27th Jan and 9th Feb, all emails, calls and voicemails went ignored. With nothing further heard, I assumed site wasn't genuine and commenced chargeback process with my bank. Out of the blue I get a notification the item has been dispatched, and it finally arrived with me 22 days after ordering, by which time I'd already bought a replacement gift elsewhere.
I tried to be pragmatic and asked for nothing more than a partial refund on the expensive "2-3 day" postage, but nobody responded to this email either.
I now half expect the cookie-cutter "sorry about your experience" response now it's posted in the public domain, then again maybe this will go ignored as well for completeness!
I'm a hobby aquarist and this is the kind of small business I love to see exist and do well, but from my own experience and other recent reviews it's a shame they seem to fall so short with the online side of things.
In-stock item purchased as a gift on 19th Jan with a hefty postage charge for 2-3 day delivery. Emailed and called multiple times for an update between 27th Jan and 9th Feb, all emails, calls and voicemails went ignored. With nothing further heard, I assumed site wasn't genuine and commenced chargeback process with my bank. Out of the blue I get a notification the item has been dispatched, and it finally arrived with me 22 days after ordering, by which time I'd already bought a replacement gift elsewhere.
I tried to be pragmatic and asked for nothing more than a partial refund on the expensive "2-3 day" postage, but nobody responded to this email either.
I now half expect the cookie-cutter "sorry about your experience" response now it's posted in the public domain, then again maybe this will go ignored as well for completeness!
I'm a hobby aquarist and this is the kind of small business I love to see exist and do well, but from my own experience and other recent reviews it's a shame they seem to fall so short with the online side of things.
Brilliant service and prices, I purchased my 1st tropical fish tank earlier this week and had all the help/advice given to me at the store which has made the process so simple.
100% returning to stock my tank with some of the stock in store.
100% returning to stock my tank with some of the stock in store.
What an amazing shop, must see to believe...
Made a purchase on Wednesday 14th of February all items showing as in stock. Money taken from account on on the 15th.
Items still showing as processing on Saturday 17th so raised a ticket with their email system.
It's now Wednesday 21st of February and no reply from ticket raised 5 days ago. This is a full week since I made my order. Items still showing as in stock on the website and my order is still showing as processing. I have rung twice today and left a message as nobody is picking up the phone. This is shocking service, and as you can see other people seem to have experienced a similar lack of communication from this store.
Since making this review Pete the owner of Riverwood Aquatics has personally called me to explain the lack of communication and late shipping. I come from a retail background and I feel he went above and beyond the level of service you would get from a big box retailer in the same circumstances. This is important to me and will be ordering from Pete again. I just wanted to update my review to include the fact my origional issue was fully resolved. If I could adjust my stars up I would.
Items still showing as processing on Saturday 17th so raised a ticket with their email system.
It's now Wednesday 21st of February and no reply from ticket raised 5 days ago. This is a full week since I made my order. Items still showing as in stock on the website and my order is still showing as processing. I have rung twice today and left a message as nobody is picking up the phone. This is shocking service, and as you can see other people seem to have experienced a similar lack of communication from this store.
Since making this review Pete the owner of Riverwood Aquatics has personally called me to explain the lack of communication and late shipping. I come from a retail background and I feel he went above and beyond the level of service you would get from a big box retailer in the same circumstances. This is important to me and will be ordering from Pete again. I just wanted to update my review to include the fact my origional issue was fully resolved. If I could adjust my stars up I would.
Loved it. Definitely worth the hour drive. All the staff were very friendly & also very helpful.
You are greeted with a Hello when you enter & when you leave a Good-bye.
Would DEFINITELY recommend going there as there's so much to see.
Keep up the fantastic work you do.
You are greeted with a Hello when you enter & when you leave a Good-bye.
Would DEFINITELY recommend going there as there's so much to see.
Keep up the fantastic work you do.
Great shop and staff we always deal with Matt and he’s fantastic!
The staff are very knowledgeable,, helpful and polite ,,,the shop has an extensive range of equipment ,,plants ornaments and of of course fish,, love the place xxx
Tom was absolutely amazing, and also helped massively with the after care of my giant day gecko which is doing really well.
Really great experience being able to choose specific pieces of wood. Pete was really helpful and the whole process was efficient with both wood and plants arriving safe and sound with next day delivery. Definitely recommended!
Great store, sadly not that local to me but definitely worth the trip. Only been a couple of times so far but they have been fantastic, kind and helpful each time. Really appreciate this brilliant store and customer care. Will be back soon. Thanks
I bought a Chihiros WRGB PRO 2 online. Delivery was quick and arrived in good order, when I had to email Pete for some assistance with the order he responded quickly and even in the evening after the store had closed. Great service. and would happily purchase again from here.
Such a lovely place! I like Pete and he's store. Not the biggest in the world, but a fair amount of hardscape and a couple of very beautiful aquarium's. Prices are good as well.
Absolute brilliant shop with friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. Prestige fish and corals and if you are looking for harder to get stuff these are the people to go to.
I purchased the Ciano 80 aquarium in white as a package and really pleased a great tank. Julie on the day at the shop was amazing and really supportive. I have to say the most inclusive SEN fish shop we have ever visited so big thank you! After care from Barry was excellent, really knowledgeable any questions on set up, settling in etc Barry immediately answered. Grateful to have found the Friendly Fish Aquatics who were not only the most affordable out of the whole market but also best service throughout. We will pop back soon
Many thanks
Zoe
Many thanks
Zoe
Bought this amazing fighting fish from here,the staff are amazing and knowledgeable, great place to visit.
I travel 40+ miles each way because the experience is worth it. Undoubtedly the best aquatic centre I have found. Helpful and full of knowledge nothing is to much trouble for the staff
Great fishing shop and literally everything you could want. Baits are actually really good prices. Really helpful friendly staff.
Good choice of fish very helpful staff.. my go to fish shop
Brilliant store, staff are knowledgeable and very friendly. Can get very busy but that's a good thing!
We had a great time at the Ely Exotics open day. The staff are exceptional, friendly and full of knowledge. We will be coming here for our reptile supplies 🤘
Great place for equipment for pond, fresh,marine, and reptile if your looking for gear and quick this is the place chances are they have it. I personally am in it for maine but everything i need is there i just wish they stocked a bit more on the coral side 👍
We've been to the opening days twice now & we are very excited for the next one. They have all sorts of animals here including geckos, chameleons, frogs & snakes. The staff are always friendly & welcoming.
📷 Black Panther Chameleon
📷 Black Panther Chameleon
A really nice friendly and expert advice helped me buy a bigger tank for my fish who over grew his tank I will be going back for more live plants and a fish mate for my fantail
Great place, loads of stock in everything you could possibly desire, well priced, and all animals look healthy and cared for
To note: Can supply to order most fish or reptiles items. As an independent ‘Local fish Shop’, prices are competitive. Staff are friendly and on hand to advise where necessary. My favourite place for aquatics (would only love it more if there was less reptiles, but I am only into aquatics).
Just went for some native pond plants. They had loads of good healthy specimens. Didn't have time to look around but they have a lot of stock all well laid out. Worth a visit they will have what you need and a lot you will want!
Just received my order of Scottish cobbles, pebbles and a piece of millennium wood ready for a simple, clean, 5ft long scape. Exactly what I was looking for and all better than expected on arrival. Unfortunately the tank is yet to be delivered but will look incredible thanks to these hardscape pieces. Will always be my first port of call in future
I love shopping for my aquascaping supplies @ Riverwood aquatics! I live far away from any of the specialist aquascaping stockists so the individually photographed pieces of wood mean I can get a good sense of what a scape might look like before I buy :) Pete is super kind and friendly - always gets in contact if there are any issues and is very generous. Thanks!
Hands down one of the best local aquatic shops I’ve ever been to.
Greeted with a friendly smile, given excellent advice and offer a wide range of stock and brilliant prices. I highly recommend Weston Aquatics
Greeted with a friendly smile, given excellent advice and offer a wide range of stock and brilliant prices. I highly recommend Weston Aquatics
Very friendly staff, bought four clown loaches and five plattys, they are extremely happy at home. The loaches are so happy and relaxed.
Perfect shop!
Really good quality products.
Owner really amazing guy!
Top service!
I wish I could give more than 5 starts!
Thank you for your help!
Really good quality products.
Owner really amazing guy!
Top service!
I wish I could give more than 5 starts!
Thank you for your help!
could stay in the shop for hours so much to look at. plenty of high quality and well looked after fish. The very knowledgeable owner will help you with anything you should need or want. couldn’t ask for more from a local aquarium shop. 10/10 beats these chain stores by a mile. Picture is of a macaw cichlid I purchased from Weston aquatics.
Amwell Aquatics staff are highly knowledgeable, helping you create and sustain the ideal environment for your fish for health and longevity. So they don't merely sell products and fish, their warm and friendly customer service takes the form of invaluable consultancy.
Saw this shop advertised and went for a visit. Todd was very helpful, all the fish looked very healthy and the tanks were clean. Had a very good selection of accessories for sale.
Bought our Angelfish and tank from here last year, and have just purchased a lovely little Siamese fighting fish for a small tank we acquired. Have always had great advice and help here, and the plants are lovely. Highly recommended.
Support your local store!!! (Even if not local) Always approachable and knowledgeable. Amazing selection of fish and corals, both high end and bargains. Picked up 4 sps for £32 the other day, you won't find premium corals for as cheap anywhere else.
I would highly recommend Weston Aquatics. Todd the owner is fantastic. He gives you time to discuss and decide what you want/need. He is clearly extremely knowledgable but is able to explain himself in laymen’s terms which is great. He has provided us with great aftercare after we bought a small aquatic set up for our son.
Good range of fish very good quality. Friendly staff and well stocked I get all my fish and accessories there now
Only ventured into tropical aquariums this year, I met Todd in his great shop in Saffron Walden whilst looking for advice. Have been totally inspired and with his obvious expert knowledge and have now had the confidence to start up a larger aquarium. There is so much choice at Weston's Aquatics, not only with the range of fish but also accessories and aftercare products. Plants are fantastic and a recent purchase really has completed my new setup. Highly recommend the Aquadip range from Todd too, great products! Great shop, so pleased to have you in Saffron Walden.
The go-to place for all your aquarium and aquatic needs in the southwest.
Easy access shop with literally everything you will ever need.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff with all the expertise to help you purchase exactly what you need from an extensive selection of high quality products at great value prices.
Thank you for always providing a hassle free and pleasant shopping experience 💚
Easy access shop with literally everything you will ever need.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff with all the expertise to help you purchase exactly what you need from an extensive selection of high quality products at great value prices.
Thank you for always providing a hassle free and pleasant shopping experience 💚
Possibly the best LFS I have ever frequented.
If you are looking to set up or even looking for a decent local fish store for the maintenance of your marine reef tank, then this store has it all. My picture doesn’t do the store justice but I set up my tank about a year ago and have bought all hardscaping, coral and fish from them. I am by no means an expert but the staff have helped me when needed and I have successfully setup and maintained my own reef. As mentioned the staff are friendly, knowledgable and professional. The fish and coral are of high quality and the tanks are regularly maintained. I know also of people that travel far and wide to make use of this store so I would highly recommend.
If you are looking to set up or even looking for a decent local fish store for the maintenance of your marine reef tank, then this store has it all. My picture doesn’t do the store justice but I set up my tank about a year ago and have bought all hardscaping, coral and fish from them. I am by no means an expert but the staff have helped me when needed and I have successfully setup and maintained my own reef. As mentioned the staff are friendly, knowledgable and professional. The fish and coral are of high quality and the tanks are regularly maintained. I know also of people that travel far and wide to make use of this store so I would highly recommend.
Updated June 2022
Ive made a couple more visits since my first review and an delighted each time. Sirus has an encyclopedic knowledge of the fish available and the cats they need, always on hand with some care tips.
I was treated to a special visit to their propagration room where I could see how they breed and care for corals not ready for sale yet, I saw some truly amazing pieces but not sure how much I should say. These guts have their finger on the pulse! They are surely makes great waves in the industry. I even got a discount on my livestock purchases for being a repeat customer.
What can I say, five stars all the way!
April 2022
First visit and blown away, amazing beautiful quality stock. Set out cleanly, staff eager to help. Was introduced to Barry who understood my new tank requirements and gave me expert advice, also saved me a few hundred quid on possible bad decisions. I'll be back. Highly recommended
July 2022
Another visit this time impressed with the sheer choice these guys have. Also walked out with some great advice for my tank. Keeping their five stars!!
Ive made a couple more visits since my first review and an delighted each time. Sirus has an encyclopedic knowledge of the fish available and the cats they need, always on hand with some care tips.
I was treated to a special visit to their propagration room where I could see how they breed and care for corals not ready for sale yet, I saw some truly amazing pieces but not sure how much I should say. These guts have their finger on the pulse! They are surely makes great waves in the industry. I even got a discount on my livestock purchases for being a repeat customer.
What can I say, five stars all the way!
April 2022
First visit and blown away, amazing beautiful quality stock. Set out cleanly, staff eager to help. Was introduced to Barry who understood my new tank requirements and gave me expert advice, also saved me a few hundred quid on possible bad decisions. I'll be back. Highly recommended
July 2022
Another visit this time impressed with the sheer choice these guys have. Also walked out with some great advice for my tank. Keeping their five stars!!
Terrific place to buy tropical fish , plants , food , and tanks . Very helpful and knowledgeable service. Great range of tropical fish , I’m a regular visitor . Plenty of parking .
Ely exotics is definitely the number one place to go.
Quality of service is 100%
Products are fairly priced and of very good quality.
Their knowledge is amazing.
You don’t feel silly for asking questions as they treat you with so much warmth and kindness.
Please support this local business, I know I always will.
Update!
Purchased a new fish tank and crested gecko, I’ve called him Colin 🤣
He’s only a baby but so beautiful and so well cared for.
Tom you are amazing and I highly recommend, again, Ely Exotics.
Also to add, have purchased frozen mice from Tom and they are brilliant. Not flat, like they have been squashed together. Faces had no blood on them and they looked really healthy.
Quality of service is 100%
Products are fairly priced and of very good quality.
Their knowledge is amazing.
You don’t feel silly for asking questions as they treat you with so much warmth and kindness.
Please support this local business, I know I always will.
Update!
Purchased a new fish tank and crested gecko, I’ve called him Colin 🤣
He’s only a baby but so beautiful and so well cared for.
Tom you are amazing and I highly recommend, again, Ely Exotics.
Also to add, have purchased frozen mice from Tom and they are brilliant. Not flat, like they have been squashed together. Faces had no blood on them and they looked really healthy.
Quite simply one of the best independent aquatic centres in the country. The variety of fish on offer here is second to none. If you want something special besides all the regular types of fish (this shop stocks those too), the owner curates something special bringing together a unique selection of regular and rare tropical and temperate fish together in one place. An extensive range of aquarium's and dry goods is available here too. I've visited over 70 aquatics centres in the UK, this is the best.
Ely Exotics is located at Sedgeway Business Park on the A142 west of Ely. It is easy to find, just drive along the front of the business park and it's located in the end building. The access road and car park are well maintained tarmaced surfaces making wheelchair access good. There is a small threshold to pass but this shouldn't be a challenge in a wheelchair. The shop itself is well laid out with ample space to pass each other in the isle. It is very well stocked with everything you need to take care of your reptiles or fish. The goods are competitively priced and we'll presented. Tom, the owner is a wealth of knowledge and is happy to advise you of all your fish or reptile needs. If you can't find what you need Tom will order it in for you. I can recommend this store to anyone with an interest in the world of reptile and fish keeping without hesitation.
I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in to the shop. Not only they have a vast collection of fish and reptiles but huge array of equipment and everything you need to take your pet home the same day. Tom was super helpful and knowledgeable about the aquarium I wanted to purchase and guided through what I needed for the process. I must say the prices were really good compared to mainstream pets shops and always happy to help a local business. Highly recommended!
Also good and safe COVID practice in the shop
Also good and safe COVID practice in the shop
Very nice little place, with many fish and other stuff to choose from!
Helpful owner who gives great advice. Will do my business at Friendly fish from now on.
Helpful owner who gives great advice. Will do my business at Friendly fish from now on.
Been going there for over 4 years and it is always a good experience!
Popped in the other day and had a great chat with owner, staff helpful as usual. Purchased some frags and they are now acclimatising ready for positioning!
Popped in the other day and had a great chat with owner, staff helpful as usual. Purchased some frags and they are now acclimatising ready for positioning!
I’ve been keeping fish for quite some time now. I recently moved from Maidstone, Kent and brought my fish tank with me.
On moving I couldn’t find a decent fish store that was close to me. When I found Friendly Fish - I was amazed with the upkeep of all aquariums. Fish were healthy and tanks were immaculate.
I bought some plants today, recieved some good advice and also bought 2 new Clown Loach - all of which have settled in tank fine.
Easily this is the best place in Harlow for fish keepers - I highly recommend it!
On moving I couldn’t find a decent fish store that was close to me. When I found Friendly Fish - I was amazed with the upkeep of all aquariums. Fish were healthy and tanks were immaculate.
I bought some plants today, recieved some good advice and also bought 2 new Clown Loach - all of which have settled in tank fine.
Easily this is the best place in Harlow for fish keepers - I highly recommend it!
Very knowledgeable staff. Great selection of fish and always have some rare species in stock. Shop and staff have earned lots of awards within the fishkeeping community. Also stock the best quality plants and lots of stock of everything aquarium related.