| The Aquatic Centre |
| The Aquatic Centre in Nottinghamshire stocks a wide range of tropical, marine and coldwater fish and says it's the area's oldest independently run aquatic store. The staff told Practical Fishkeeping: "We have the enviable reputation of having the most knowledgeable and helpful staff, whose professionalism and excellence in customer care is shown by how busy the centre is. It's very important to us that any fishkeeper whether novice or expert is able to get as much information as they need. We view our job as making the hobby accessible, understandable and fulfilling. "It is probably our independence, both in thought and action that has kept them us the forefront within the trade. Our unwillingness to follow trends until we have found them to be worthy or not sees our shelves filled with stock that we use ourselves and swear-by. "It is interesting to note that in an industry dominated by 'new' and 'instant' that we are an outlet that promotes 'established' and 'patience'. Surprising because 'established' and 'patience' does not make for big bucks, but it does make for good fishkeeping. We have all seen the big multiples and 'only in it for the money' garden centres rush to sell hi-tech gadgetry and instant set-ups with no understanding of animals' requirements, but an eye on the expensive purchase usually to the unknowing novice sold by an unknowing salesperson. "We practice what we preach. We sell what we stock. We use what we recommend. All our aquariums, coldwater, tropical and marine are all separate independently run tanks using undergravel filters and powerheads. We rely on good fishkeeping to keep our stock healthy and the tanks spotless. We do this because that is what we expect of their customers. We have excellent water quality within each separate aquarium ruling out the risk of any problems being transmitted throughout an entire system." The Aquatic Centre says its livestock is tough and hardy and that it relies on good husbandry and experience to keep its fish alive, rather than chemicals and UV sterilisers. The staff said "Our fish room is split into hard- and softwater, marine fish and invertebrates. The stock is purchased from a select handful of specialist importers and wholesaler. We concentrate our purchasing from wholesalers, believing them to be the backbone of the trade. While it's much cheaper to consolidate or import directly, the advantage of dealing with an experienced and knowledgeable wholesaler, like TMC for example, pays dividends. "Coldwater and pond fish are another important part of our business. More and more people are having two ponds these days, one as ornamental and the other as a natural wildlife pond. As we specialise in plants and are exceptionally knowledgeable on native species, cultivation etc. we find customers are coming to us from far and wide. "The Aquatic Centre is on the same site as Tall Trees Garden Centre (est. 1960) and shares the site with Mulberries Coffee Shop, a specialist tea and coffee shop selling over 180 types of teas and over 50 types of coffee. It is a wonderful place to come and walk around, there is plenty to see on the three-acre site and you can mingle with amongst other things peacocks, who wander the site fearlessly. "For those of you who already know The Aquatic Centre, this small write-up barely touches all the things that we do and what a treasure trove of fish and plants and invertebrates that we have. Our incredibly knowledgeable and interested staff will definitely go that extra mile to make it work for you. The pleasant relaxing grounds and the nursery full of rare and unusual plants. The fantastic coffee shop with the fabulous home made cakes. For those of you who don't yet know our superb outlet, you have a wonderful treat in store!" |
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Store details
| Address | The Aquatic Centre Lowdham Road Bulcote Nottingham Nottinghamshire United Kingdom NG14 5GT Tel: 0115 9 312986 |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sat 9.30am-6.30pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm. |
| Directions | About 15 minutes from Nottingham on the A612 Nottingham - Southwell Road. |
| Map | Map of Nottingham Nottinghamshire |
| Route Plan | You need to be logged in to use this |
Livestock details
| Aquaria | 62 tropical tanks, 6 African cichlid tanks, 42 marine tanks, 12 invert tanks, 26 ponds, |
| Quarantine | 10 tropical quarantine tanks on site 3 Discus quarantine tanks on site 8 marine quarantine tanks on site 4 coldwater quarantine tanks on site 8 quarantine ponds on site. |
| Specialist stock | Far too many to list, as we have up to four deliveries per week and specialise in the unusual. |
| Guarantee | Replacement subject to water tests |
| Water parameters | All of our tanks are individually filtered, and the parameters are set individually, to specifically suit the tank inhabitants. We do not do 'one size fits all!' |
| Fish stocked | tropical freshwater fish, marine fish, coldwater fish, pond fish, discus |
Trade membership
| Dyed Fish | This store has signed the Practical Fishkeeping Dyed Fish Campaign and has pledged not to knowingly stock or sell dyed fish. |
| OATA membership | This store is a member of the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association and has agreed to meet its Code of Conduct. OATA members guarantee quality and service and exercise a very high standard of livestock husbandry, abide by their Code of Conduct and have their seal of approval. The aquaria and other displays should be clean and disease free. All fish acquired from an approved member should be healthy and feeding. |
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