Aquatic Design Centre - London

Hibah Aslam

Went to this place recently and they were so helpful and friendly. We are keeping fish for the first time and they explained everything thoroughly, helping us to find what we needed. Even gave us some discount as we were buying lots together. They stayed open a little while after closing to help us out properly which was very kind.

Great selection of fish and plants. Would highly recommend - ran by some lovely people. Will definitely be visiting again.

Benjamin Blackmore

This is by far the best aquatic centre in London.

1. The staff undeniably understand what they are doing and use their expertise to share knowledge to you (if you listen!)

2. Always fully stocked.

3. Plants galore, rare species of plants and knowledge on how to make them thrive at home.

4. I visit every month before I go to work to give me some peace, this is my happy place.

It is always a pleasure to visit!

Photo is my fish tank!

Eden Taylor

All was visit this store always very friendly and helpful.
Always look forward to next visit.
They have lovely fish tanks here .
Very good test kits also.
Love my new blue shrimp.

Aleksandra Judina

My all time favorite aquatic stores in London. The selection of fish, plants, shrimp, snails and decoration is always amazing.

The store has a freshwater and marine section, and the staff are very knowledgeable.

The store always has some promotions as well!

Seth Ridewood

Brian helped me in store today with my livestock purchase. He was knowledgeable, approachable and very friendly with an obvious passion for the industry. Great in store experience with a wide selection of livestock, plants, hardscape, tanks, etc. Certainly a one stop shop for all your aquarium needs. Highly recommend this place.

BeanNugget0

Honestly this place is just great, the staff are so helpful as they really helped me with learning how to take care of fish, furthermore the fish are really good quality I have never had any issues with their health. The shop itself is in a convenient location as you can park in front if you’re planning on a large purchase. Plus it’s just really cool, when I go buy food for my fish I usually hang around and just look at the tanks.

Qiaodong Chen

If you're new to the area and looking for a LFS, AVOID THIS SHOP. Here’s a comprehensive list of reasons why:

1.The fish and corals were in deplorable health, posing a serious risk of introducing pathogens into your tank. Most butterfly fish there had ich, with one clown tang appearing wobbly and malnourished, indicating possible neglect in feeding and deworming. Anthias and eels (juvenile but still natural predators of small fish) were confined in the same container. An emperor angel's face had white blotches, indicating parasites, infection, or simply being stressed from poor treatment. The tank contained multiple dead animals, causing pollution in the system. Various types of algae covered the frag; the clam seemed misplaced, and the corals' tissues were decaying, leaving only their skeletons. The list of issues goes on and on.

2.Expect condescending treatment akin to that received by an elementary school pupil. The customer service was abysmal. While most of the employees seemed friendly, my experience with a particular staff member, who was wearing a hat, was nothing short of appalling. Despite my previous experience with keeping a butterfly FOT and sourcing my fish directly from wholesalers, conducting detox, acclimation, deworming, and using appropriate antibiotics (I have an MBBS and am medically trained), this individual refused to listen to my reasoning, dismissed my purchase, and patronizingly lectured me, often interrupting and not allowing me to explain my background. He implied negligence on my part while himself didn't seem to follow basic animal welfare practices, such as turning off the lights or drip acclimating the fish. I was required to rush home to test the water parameters (which were satisfactory), and even after that, he attempted to prevent the manager from selling the fish to me. His abuse of his limited authority, stemming from a clear insecurity when challenged, was deeply disgusting. The entire encounter was utterly appalling.

3.The back-order system proved to be utterly useless. I went to the website and was told customers could order fish out of stock. A list of fish was taken over the phone, and I was instructed to pay in the store, with the assurance that they would keep the fish in the shop for a week. Yet when I arrived, it appeared to be a first-come-first-serve system. No fish was reserved, and I was simply told to look for what’s left available by the mentioned employee until the manager came to ask what I wanted. I was too tired to find out whether the system is broken or the said employee was being hostile again at this point. Simply frustrated with the whole experience

I ultimately purchased a pair of yasha gobies solely to ensure I had a receipt as proof of being a genuine customer.

However, will I be returning? Absolutely not.

Pics of the ailing animals and the receipt serve as concrete evidence of the stated issues.

Muhib Rahman

Amazing stock which are genuinely well looked after, the staff are extremely knowledgeable too & will go the extra mile to help you.

I mostly dealt with the fella with the ponytail (didn’t catch your name) who helped me (a complete newbie) pick out some floating plants for my first betta tank setup. I went with dwarf water lettuce.

Never was he condescending or rude as some of these reviews suggest. I will definitely be coming back here again!

Photos are of my Honey Gourami which I also picked up (as a juvenile) from here, after my tank had completed the nitrogen cycle. Mango is thriving in his fully planted home, along with his tank mates.