UK Fish Store Directory

[scottsbt1690]

am i the only west of scotland fish enthusiate??? anyway if i am then here's another for my benefit only by the look of things!!


barra-cuda
london rd
glasgow

across from the famous glasgow "barras" market, hence the name

variety- 9
quality- 9
staff- 8/9

not too many tanks but nice and clean and healthy, more fish than reptiles this one and the young guy was really helpful, i was asking about one or 2 fish they had, his opinion and advice was good, prices were fairly good too, gave a me a golden wonder panchax for 1.50 pounds, also got a 2 spot catfish from him, real nice and healthy, and 2 dwarf pangasius, but he was quick to tell me that these were fairly new to him and he didnt have a good knowledge of it,

scott

 

[scottsbt1690]

sorry folks, forgot i have another one!!!

broadwood aquatics

not been here for a bit but am headign over on sat so here's an idea of what they
used to be like

variety- 9
quality-9
staff- 7


will be back at the weekend with an update

scott

 

[scottsbt1690]

right folks,
here's an addition to the last LFS i listed, on the broadwood aquatics

went in today to see what they had, well nearly never got in as when i arrived the guy from the shop was at the front door with a snake coiled round his hand!!!, i am absolutely terrified of snakes, and dentists, and here he is holding this ####in' thing!!!, my misses was made to go in firstso he would move, anyway he moved on and i got in, a but smelly to say the least though a good few tanks, so goes for a look, and i turns to look at the tanks behind me and here's the guy with that thing!! again, i near #### myself!!!, any way had a good look well a quick look, lol, i got 2 clown loaches for £10, he had a few show tanks that were ok maybe a bit of cleaning but the fish were the healthiest and biggest i have seen , he had a buenoes aires tetra that must have been 3 inches maybe even 4 inches massive!!!, he also had a rainbow fish not sure which one it was(yellow and blue one), anyway what a size!!! superb, he had a nice catfish also but he put me off it by saying it would be a better ornament cos it doesnt move!!, it was a bubblenes or an armoured catfish around 5-6 inches nice, but that was about it, nothing too special

scott

 

[skimpy]

Torbay Aquatic Centre
St Marychurch Road
Newton Abbot
Devon TQ12 4SE

Variety - 8
Quality - 9
Staff - 10

They are primarily outdoor fish and ponds but do have a great tropical and small marine section. They really do care for their fish, give loads of advice (accurate advice) to customers and when you start out even give you a record sheet to record testings on. They test you water for free and will not sell anyone a fish unless they have tested your water. Its not a brand new posh looking shop with 1000's of shiney new tanks, but quite old fashioned, but they know what they are doing and want to help. They close their shop to the public 2 days a week for maintenance, the fish are more important than profit, but when closed you can still call if you have an emergency.


Aquator
119 Hele Road
Torquay
TQ2 7PX

Variety - 10
Quality - 9
Staff - 8

I have found advice from this lfs to be very good, but I have not known them long. On testing them out they seem to have passed all tests and know what they are talking about. They have beautiful modern display and is very attractive. I have given a quality mark of 9 because the fish look in excellent condition but I have not as yet purchased any fish from their so have no idea long term, I would not hesitate to buy fish from there, they look great.


Jacks Patch
Newton Abbot
Devon

Variety - 7
Quality - 2
Staff - 0

Sorry but I have been to this store which is at the back of a garden centre. Looks quite pretty but everytime I have been, they have had dead fish in tanks and on the floor. I went once and counted 21 dead fish and the whole place had an odd smell. The staff are quite friendly but I have never found any accurate advice given and they sell a fish to anyone, without checking the water and even without asking any questions. Someone I know bought a fish the other week (against my advice) the shop told him is was a clown loach. When I saw the fish i just shook my head, it was a 4" common plec. (It's difficult I know to spot the difference!!!)


Fish n Fins
Dawlish
Devon

Variety - 7
Quality - 7
Staff - 2

The staff are willing to give plenty of advice but I have not been happy with the advice they have given me. When I have questioned them in depth they do not seem to have much knowledge about water, cycling and testing. When checking the compatibilty of fish they seem to always say, yeah that will be fine. Plus I have seen painted fish in the store


Deepclear Aquatics
Dawlish
Devon

Do not feel qualified to give marks because they seem to specilise in marine fish and that is not my area. They are very helpful and have some very attractive tanks. They do stock a few tropical and cold water fish but it is only a few. They class themselves mainly as marine and consentrate in that area. I have never been give any bad advice and it sounds as if they may be very good in the marine area.

HTH

 

[finnster]

Just realised that this post was here!

My comments are on FRESHWATER Tropicals only.

Cleveland - UK

Peter Barratts Garden Centre
Stockton
Variety 8 - always have something different in their tanks, some bigger fish too occasionally. Good selection.
Quality 6 - some good, some bad. Problem is their centralised filtration system. Tanks are extremely overcrowded, I've literally seen hundreds of small fish in what looks like 12" square tanks. Dead fish in tanks on every visit. Fish I have purchased have been of reasonable quality but I have suffered losses, sometimes within the first week and outside of their 48hr guarantee.
Staff 4/5 - same again - some good, some bad. Some don't tend to be totally honest regarding a fish's eventual size. Sales seems to be their priority. Some can be good regarding any losses outside of guarantee period, some just say there's nothing they can do.
Pricing 8 - Very good really, lots of offers on stuff like tetras, sold cheaper in 10's - and you always get more than 10 in the bag! Recently got a good deal on some Brochis - bought 3, got 1 free! Lots of deals like that.

Arcadia Garden Centre
Stokesley
Variety 3 - mainly small 'bread n butter' stuff and not much variety at all. Can't remember the last time I bought anything 'live' from there. It looks like they've overspent on the filtration system for their marines rather than on decent tanks and stocks.
Quality 5 - Tanks not too full and not many dead fish seen in their tanks. Unsure of actual quality of fish as I prefer to buy from the other stores.
Staff 2 - one guy in there is extremely arrogant and always looks like he's having a bad day! Unfortunately he spoils the score for the few other staff who might have scored a little higher.
Pricing 7 - Quite reasonable with some occasional 'buy one get one free' offers!

Tropical House
Redcar
Variety 6 - mainly smaller fish types as most of the tanks are extremely small. Hard to see most of the fish due to the mosses and 'weeds' in the tanks.
Quality 2 - to be honest, this shops tanks look to have remained unchanged in the past 25 years and because of the cleanliness of them, I prefer not to buy from there. His tanks are covered in a grey coloured 'mossy looking' stuff and weeds and they look extremely dull. Could do with revamping or just a good cleanout.
Staff 1 and 6 - he is very abrupt and believes he's never wrong. She can be quite pleasant, nuff said!
Pricing 4 - always tends to be towards the top end of the scale.

Billingham Aquatics
Billingham
Variety 7 - quite a reasonable variety for a small shop though nothing spectacular.
Quality 7 - haven't lost anything I've bought from there though I have had whitespot (or at least my fish have!) a couple of times - and the occasional snail.
Staff 7 - very helpful. One guy is extremely good on fish and on plants and has actually 'put us off' from taking a chance with some purchases. Only downside is that the old guy once sold me a Texas to go in a community tank with Angels - he said 'it should be ok' - it wasn't!
Pricing 5 - the average for this area.

Pets at Home
Stockton
Variety 4 - fairly average and just 'bread and butter' stuff, nothing unusual.
Quality 5 - had a couple of decent fish and a couple of losses too. I much prefer better stocks from elsewhere. Dead fish seen in tanks.
Staff 2 - not the most knowledgeable. When questioned, most times you'll get a - "I'll just go and ask"!
Pricing 6 - roughly the average but they are extremely good on pricing of dry goods and tank equipment.

Aqua Area
Redcar
Variety 6 - reasonable number of tanks and a reasonable variety. Can't say much more really.
Quality 6 - Have bought several fish from here and only had one loss. Tanks well tended with no sign of dead fish.
Staff 7 - friendly enough and knowledgeable but I was taken aback when I was asked to name the fish I was buying before I left the shop! - and she was serious!
Pricing 5 - again, roughly the average but I've noticed their prices sneaking up recently.

Cherry Hill Nurseries
Stokesley
Variety 7 - a fairly new aquatic outlet and variety seems to be improving. Some oddballs but some good community stuff too. Huge Discus tank and some nice cichlids. They apparently have plans for extending the fish house. Has willingly ordered fish in for me too.
Quality 8 - very clean tanks, no dead fish to be seen. Many purchases recently with only one loss in the early days.
Staff 7 - only seems to be one guy in there running the place but very friendly and helpful. Honest and will check if unsure about anything. Could do with more staff, especially on busy days.
Pricing 7 - very reasonably priced for the very good quality.

Keithlands Pets
Middlesbrough
Variety 5 - fairly average compared to what the place was years ago.
Quality 7 - Good quality though some dead fish seen in their tanks occasionally. Not lost many fish I've bought from there.
Staff 6 - young and keen and reasonably knowledgeable, though I was once given poor advice on keeping Discus.
Pricing 4 - fairly average and sometimes a little on the expensive side - especially for tank equipment.

Strikes Garden Centre
Stokesley
Variety 5 - again, just average. Shocked to see how they sometimes stock their tanks with Barbs in with Discus and the likes!
Quality 3 - Haven't purchased from here as I've heard several 'loss' stories from fellow fishkeeping buddies. Not exactly the cleanest of tanks.
Staff 3 - A mixed section in the garden centre which caters for all pets, fish seem to be a secondary concern. I spoke to a girl in there one day about a possible purchase and to be honest, she was clueless. One of the guys is a little more knowledgeable.
Pricing 6 - reasonably good. I've seen offers on fish in there for example - Corys at £6-7 or 4 for £20.

Don't forget! - these opinions are from my personal experience and from chats with fellow aquarists. I may have totally different experiences to others who may have gone in on a different day and seen something different to me - or - have spoken to someone different. I've just tried to be as brutally honest as I can.

 

[KerriPaul]

Fintastic

Darwen

Lancs

A joint pet/Aquarium store, best 'small' shop I have ever been to.

Variety 8
quality 10
Staff 10

Have been able to get some rare fish ordered. They go the extra mile and find you the rare fish others don't. Generally you will have to ask first as they only have so many tanks.

They are especially knowledgeable about Characins and water quality.

 

[lady_tanksalot]

these are all really useful but very time consuming to trawl through when your planning a journey somewhere and fancy popping in to a lfs on route

anyone out there able to put them on a map perhaps colour coded by ratings?

not something i could do but i know there are some real techies amongst us

 

[technium]

Ok just read through whole lot and cant see any mention of Dorset Area where I live so decided to add mine

West Dorset Aquatics - Goulds Garden Centre
Littlemore, Weymouth

Variety 7 - Typical Normal Selection of Fish, but also has cold, and Marine aswell as Tropical but can order you almost anything you want
Quality 9 - Never had any problems (touch wood- "touching head") and as long as you follow their advice, if something happens they will refund the payment
Staff 10 - Absolutely Spotty Dog, brilliant, knowledgeable, always helpfull, willing to negotiate on price and very friendly
Pricing 7 - Not too bad, I always tell them ive seen it cheaper in PFK Mag and they will price match but not sure if they do it for everyone.

Living Seas
Weymout Town Centre

Otherwise known locally as "The Killing Sea's"

Variety 5 - Mainly Discus
Quality 5 - Very poor, often dead fish floating in tanks, I purchased my first few and they ended up dead and wouldnt refund
Staff 2 - Very rude and arrogant, threatened me when I asked for quote for large tank and eventually ordered from another lfs, not just me, others will tell you the same.
Pricing 5 - seem ok but high really for dieing fish, also they do dyed fish

Good luck

 

[Gill]

R + S Aquatics @ Pool Meadow, Coventry

Variety 10 - Gets loads of Variety and will order for you.
Quality 9 - his tanks are lovely
Staff 10 - he does it all on his own and knows his stuff, sometimes makes mistakes but not often.

Rob runs the place on his own and does a good job - he is moving to a much larger premise and is gonna rock with the new sections he is having.

********
A5 @ Nuneaton

Variety -10
Quality - Tropical fish Good - Cold Ok
Staff - Only the Guy Who does the Ordering and the 1 of the Saturday staff.

*****************
World Of Water. @ Coleshill

@ 2003
Variety 10
Quality 9
Staff 8


@2004
Variety 5
Quality -2 - Every Tank Had dead Fish, The whole room Stank and was tooo Dark.
Staff - 1 Useless

*********************************

Martins Pets @ The Arcade Coventry

Variety 5 - Average Stock
Quality 5 - Average Don't Always Trust the fish
Staff 4 - They just Dont Know about the Fish.

**********************

Russells Pets @ Radford Road Coventry

Variety 8 - Always trys to get a Good Variety
Quality 8 - only Had a Bad fish Once from there
Staff 10 - To the Owner
Store Staff 8 - They do Listen to you and they do read up.

************************

Maidenhead Aquatics @ Harleston Heath Northampton - Not Local but use them when in Northampton.

Variety 10 always Amazed at what they have In. they have a Wallagu Attu
Quality 10 Not had any Probs with Fish From There
Staff 10 Very Knowledgeable and always helpful.

*****************************
Shirley Aquatics

Variety 10
Quality 8
Staff -20 Arrogant Bunch of Twats.

************************************
Shirleys @ Blooms in Kenilworth

Variety 8 - Good for about 30 tanks, Only Place in Driving Distance that stock all Betta Tail Types apart from Imbellis
Quality 8
Staff - 4 Don't Really have a Clue about the Fish.

*******************************************
Thats All Folks

 

[Def]

Fish Are Us
Newland Nurseries, near Tamworth/Sutton Coldfield (West Mids)

Quite a small shop joined on to a garden center - it has it's own dedicated staff though.

Variety 5 - Average tropical stock, good marine selection. Small tanks so not much quantity

Quality 7 - All the fish looked in good health, however they have a big sign over their marines saying "Our marine system uses copper"

Staff 10 - I have no idea how good the staff are with fish, but the assistant shop girl was h - o - t - t - HOT! Mm, she was a damn fine looker, so they get 10 from me Worth a visit just to see her

 

[shinydemon]

didn't see anything for Lincoln... so here's mine..

unfortunately, my LFS is Pets at Home...

Variety: 5 not great.. had loads of corys, and cicilids in, plus 'available for a limited time only' stuff, like my feather fin synodonts (for £4.45.. is that good?!)
had glass catfish, which are pretty cool, and blind cave fish....
loads of goldfish..


not great advice.. 4.. didn't mention cycling, and the first bloke sold me 2 plecs, and a synodontis without asking size of tank, or testing the water, or anything...
2nd person was much better, took in some water so she could test it, and found my ph to be too high.. so advised against any more fish until i got it sorted..

Quality.. 3 : hmmm... not amazing.. dead fish in most of the tanks.. fish generally don't last very long from there...

anyway, haven't lived here for very long, and haven't found anywhere else yet..

 

[jflowers]

Shineydemon

You are not that far from Peterborough, if you fancy a drive out go to Crowland a village just outside pboro, they have a wyvale garden center with a Maidenhead aquatics inside, very good, loads of selection, great advice and only once seen a dead fish there (which, when i mentioned it to the staff, they slapped a not for sale notice on the tank). Maidenhead aquatics seem a little expensive but I would rather buy livestock from them than anywhere else round here.

Jon

 

[Tom H]

'Totally Tropical'
Cornwall
Carnon Downs nr Truro

Variety 8
Quality 8
friendliness and knowledge of staff 10

 

[bunjiweb]

Pitty my sister no longer lives in Falmouth, no excuse to go fish shop exploring down in that area now! And no, im not driving 5 hours just for fish shops

Ben

 

[fishman 1]

Hello all!

This is a very interesting topic. Well boys and girls seeing as you have missed some of the best shops in the UK I will enlighten you all. I see some of the most expensive shops have already been listed. This does not mean i am a tight git what i mean by it is that their fish are extremely over priced.
Right here we go with the first.

Maidenhead Aquatics @ Harleston Heath, Northampton
Three straight 10's in your criteria.
Also they stock a vast range of cichlids and unusual stuff.

My second shop also gets full marks.

Wholesale Tropicals @ Bethnal Green, London
In fact I would give these guys 11 out of ten for knowledge, friendliness and price. Especially seeing as on the last two visits I have had a cuppa and a decent chat with guys who know their species.
The stock selection is very good for unusual stuff/rare stuff unlike any shop around me in Leicester.

And finally my third choice is:

Wildwoods Water Gardens @ Enfield, Middlesex
Variety and quality straight 10's
Friendliness of staff would be a 7
They have a fantastic choice of rare and unusual stuff including the unidentified Paradon sp. as in Todays Fishkeeper.

I have been to many shops throughout the uk and there are others that I do go to as they are good too. Some have already been mentioned and some I dont think have. If I am wrong I appologise.

Wharf Aquatics
Hollybush Aquatics
Peterborough's Maidenhead Aquatics
Shirley Aquatics
Bolton Aquatic Superstore
etc,etc.....
All are worth a visit.
Does anyone want to add to the list, I know there are more out there but cannot remember them all off the top of my head.

Cheers

fishman 1