Fish Supplies

Best Fish Supplies in the UK: Where to Buy Aquarium Gear, Tanks, and Everything Your Fish Need

Why the right fish supplies make all the difference

If you love watching bubbles rise and fish glide like tiny submarines, you already know that an aquarium is more than decoration — it's a small ecosystem. Choosing the right supplies is like giving your tank a healthy foundation: the wrong filter or heater can turn a peaceful glass world into a stress factory for your pets. Think of it like building a house: a shaky foundation will cause problems later, but a solid one lets everything else fall into place. Whether you're starting with a 10-gallon desktop tank or upgrading to a 55-gallon centerpiece, the shops you choose matter for price, choice, and quality.

Menkind: novelty tanks and gadget-friendly supplies

Menkind is best known for quirky gadgets and design-led gifts, and that extends into their aquarium offerings. If you want a conversation-starting holo fish tank, decorative LED accessories, or novelty decorations, Menkind often stocks items you won’t find at every pet shop. Their focus leans toward style and the fun side of fishkeeping, which is great if you’re designing an eye-catching setup for a living room or office. Just remember: novelty should complement proper equipment like reliable filters and heaters, not replace them.

Pets at Home: mainstream convenience and specialist services

Pets at Home is a go-to for many hobbyists because it combines wide availability with accessible staff and a range from budget to branded options. You’ll find starter kits, filters for tanks measured in gallons, heaters rated for tanks up to specific gallon sizes, and a good selection of fish food. Many locations also run Aqua stores inside larger shops where you can ask questions and sometimes view live stock. If you prefer hands-on shopping where you can compare products physically, Pets at Home is a strong choice.

Online specialist retailers: depth of choice for serious keepers

For those who dive deeper into the hobby, online specialists offer a wider selection of brand-specific filters, CO2 systems for planted tanks, and hard-to-find parts. These retailers often provide detailed product specs in imperial units — like filters rated for 20 to 80 gallons or aquarium stands sized in inches — which helps match equipment to your tank. If you’re building a custom setup or looking for professional-grade gear, specialist sites are like a trade supplier for the at-home aquarist.

Examples of UK specialist shops

There are several reputable UK online stores that cater specifically to fishkeepers. Names like Jollyes, Fishkeeper.co.uk, and AquaticsOnline (and other locally focused suppliers) carry a range of freshwater and marine gear, from substrate bags to protein skimmers for reef tanks. These retailers tend to offer more technical advice and a broader range of sizes — handy if you’re trying to match a replacement part or scale up from a 10-gallon to a 40-gallon tank.

Amazon UK and eBay: unbeatable variety and price hunting

When in doubt, Amazon UK and eBay will usually have what you need — quickly. The benefit is sheer variety: multiple brands, DIY parts, and third-party accessories. Shopping on these platforms lets you compare user reviews and find bargains on everything from 2-inch decorative rocks to 75-gallon acrylic tanks. However, remember that third-party sellers can vary in reliability, so double-check seller ratings and product details to make sure the item matches the imperial specs you need.

What to buy first: a simple starter kit checklist

Starting a new tank can feel overwhelming, but a simple checklist makes it manageable. For a typical beginner 20-gallon aquarium, here’s what you’ll want out of the gate: a tank and stand rated for the gallon size, a reliable filter sized for that gallon capacity, a heater capable of maintaining tropical temperatures, an appropriate light, substrate measured in pounds per tank, and basic test kits to monitor water chemistry. Treat this as your blueprint — it’s easier to upgrade decorations and add plants later than to fix core equipment mistakes.

Tank size and filtration — match them carefully

Tank size is often the single most important decision. A 5-gallon bowl sounds cute, but small tanks are less forgiving of changes in temperature and chemistry. If you’re new, consider starting with 20 to 30 gallons instead — they’re like the Goldilocks zone for stability. Filtration should be rated for a bit more than your tank’s gallon capacity; for example, a filter rated for 30 to 50 gallons is a safer bet on a 30-gallon setup because stronger circulation helps maintain water quality. Pump flow is measured in gallons per hour (GPH), so check that the filter’s GPH suits your tank size and stocking levels.

Heating, lighting, and substrate — the comfort zone for fish and plants

Heating and lighting choices depend on whether you keep tropical species or cold-water fish. For most tropical tanks, a heater that can handle the tank’s gallon size is essential — many heaters will list the maximum gallons they’re suitable for. Lighting is crucial if you have live plants; stronger lighting supports plant growth but may increase algae risk, so balance is key. Substrate is usually sold by the pound, and the depth you aim for will depend on plants and décor — 2 to 4 inches of substrate is a common starting point for planted tanks.

Budget vs premium: where to save and where to splurge

We all have a budget, but smart fishkeepers know where to spend and where to save. Splurge on equipment that keeps your tank stable: filters, heaters, and quality test kits. These are the tools that protect fish health. Save on decorations if you like DIY — driftwood and river stones (sourced safely) can be cheaper than branded ornaments. Food is another area where mid-range is often best: premium foods can improve fish color and longevity, but price doesn’t always equal nutrition. Think of it like cooking: a good knife matters more than expensive utensils.

Seasonal deals and how to spot real bargains

Sales and seasonal offers can shave a lot off your setup cost, especially around holidays or clearance periods. But beware the classic trap: a deeply discounted heater or filter might be old stock, missing parts, or simply not suited for your gallon size. Always check product details, seller reputation, and compatibility. One tip is to compare the item across multiple UK retailers — if a supposedly massive discount still lies within the normal price range, it may not be the steal it looks like.

Care tips to make supplies last longer

Good maintenance extends the life of your gear and keeps running costs down. Regular filter cartridge changes or cleaning, seasonal cross-checks of heater calibration, and swapping out worn airline tubing will all save you replacement costs in the long run. Store spare parts like seals and impellers in a dry place so a small failure doesn't become a crisis. Think of your aquarium like a car: small, regular service avoids big, expensive breakdowns.

Sustainable and eco-friendly options for the conscientious keeper

More hobbyists are looking for eco-friendly choices: energy-efficient LED lights, aquarium plants that provide natural filtration, and responsibly sourced driftwood. Choosing long-lasting equipment with good warranties means less waste and fewer replacements down the road. Some UK retailers now offer recycled or sustainably packaged products, and opting for live plants over plastic décor reduces plastic waste and benefits tank health — it’s a win-win.

Local clubs and forums: an undervalued resource

Don’t underestimate local fishkeeping clubs and online forums. They’re treasure troves of advice, used gear swaps, and group buys that can cut costs. Finding a community can also help you avoid rookie mistakes — someone else probably already tried that filter on your 40-gallon tank and can tell you whether it’s worth it. Plus, it’s more fun to compare tank photos and trade tips than to go it alone.

Matching gear to fish: examples for popular setups

Different fish need different things. For a 10-gallon freshwater community tank with tetras, you’ll want gentle flow, a heater rated for that gallon size, and fine substrate. A 55-gallon cichlid tank needs robust filtration and stiffer decor, while a planted 20-gallon tank prioritizes good lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate. Think of each setup like a recipe: change one ingredient and the taste — or in this case, the water chemistry — can shift dramatically.

Buy used or buy new? Pros and cons

Used gear can be a bargain, especially for tanks and stands where the main risk is physical damage. However, motors and heaters can wear out, so inspect used items carefully and factor in the cost of replacement parts. New gear comes with warranties and peace of mind, which is often worth it for critical items like filters. If you do buy used, cleaning with safe, tank-friendly methods and replacing hoses or seals is a smart precaution.

Final checklist before you click “buy”

Before ordering, confirm tank capacity in gallons, check compatibility of gear (e.g., filter GPH for your gallon size), read user reviews from UK buyers, and verify spare part availability. If you’re buying a kit, make sure each component is appropriately sized for your tank. A little homework before purchase prevents headaches later and keeps your underwater world thriving.

Conclusion: Choosing the right fish supplies in the UK is a balance of practical needs, budget, and personal style. Menkind offers fun, design-forward options that pair well with serious equipment from specialist retailers and mainstream stores like Pets at Home. Whether you prefer in-person shopping to inspect components or enjoy the depth and prices of online specialists and marketplaces, matching gear to your tank’s gallon size and investing in reliable core equipment will keep your aquatic life healthy and your hobby enjoyable. Dive in thoughtfully, and your tank will reward you with calm water and happy fish.