All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Thinking about adding an aquarium to your home? It’s more than a glass box — it’s a living painting, a slice of nature that moves and breathes with you. A high-quality aquarium gives your fish space to thrive, your plants room to grow, and your display the clarity you want. Choosing the right tank and retailer can save you time, money, and a few heartaches down the line. Let’s walk through what to look for, where to shop in the UK, and how to turn that idea into a calm, bubbling reality.
Whether you’re buying a starter kit or building a reef system, the UK market offers a mix of high-street shops, specialist online stores, and novelty retailers. Below are some trusted options, each with a different strength — from convenience to specialist stock and unique gifts.
Menkind is known for quirky gadgets and lifestyle gifts, and they sometimes stock novelty aquariums like holographic fish tanks and small desktop displays. If you want a visually striking piece for an office or living room — think of it like a glowing snow globe for fish — Menkind is a place to check. Those novelty tanks often prioritize style and novelty over large bioloads, so they’re ideal for small setups or as decorative accents.
Pets at Home is one of the UK’s largest pet retailers and a strong go-to for beginners. They offer a wide range of aquarium starter kits in popular capacities (for example, 10 gal and 26 gal sizes), basic filters, heaters, and an accessible in-store support network. If you want hands-on help choosing a tank, Pets at Home is a convenient choice and a reliable place to pick up routine consumables.
For saltwater and reef enthusiasts, Tropic Marine Centre is a specialist that stocks premium marine equipment, coral-safe lighting, and advanced filtration. If you’re serious about a reef tank or larger marine setup, specialist advice and top-shelf parts are worth the extra spend. Think of it as the surgeon’s clinic of the aquarium world — complex cases welcome.
Maidenhead Aquatics is a specialist supplier known for high-quality glass and acrylic tanks, bespoke builds, and advice-driven service. If you’re planning a large display — say, a 132 gal aquarium to be the living centerpiece of a room — a specialist like Maidenhead can help with custom sizing, stands, and plumbing. They’re the place to go when “standard” won’t cut it.
Jollyes is a pet store chain that strikes a balance between specialist advice and value. They stock a good range of freshwater tanks and kits, plus useful extras like substrate and water conditioners. For hobbyists who want a bit more selection than a basic starter kit but don’t need high-end reef gear, Jollyes is a practical middle ground.
For budget-friendly tanks and basic accessories, Wilko and The Range are convenient local options. They often carry small to medium-sized glass tanks and basic internal filters, perfect for a simple freshwater community tank or a beginner’s first setup. These retailers are great for getting started without breaking the bank, but you may need to upgrade equipment later as you expand.
Marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay offer an enormous selection — from branded starter kits to niche aquarium gadgets. The upside is variety and often competitive prices; the downside is mixed seller quality. Read reviews and check seller ratings carefully. Think of these marketplaces as a giant bazaar: you can find treasure, but you’ll need to keep your wits about you.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all aquarium. The type you choose should match your lifestyle, budget, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance. Below are common categories and what to expect from each.
Freshwater community tanks are the easiest for beginners. Popular sizes include 10 gal and 26 gal tanks, which offer enough room for small schooling fish like tetras, zebra danios, or a small group of gouramis. Freshwater tanks are forgiving, lower-cost, and have a wide selection of hardy fish.
If you love lush green landscapes, a planted tank turns your aquarium into an underwater garden. These setups benefit from good lighting and CO2 supplementation in larger displays, but you can start small — a 10 gal planted nano tank looks stunning on a desk. Plants breathe life into a tank, help stabilize water chemistry, and offer natural hiding places for fish.
Saltwater tanks, especially reef systems, are beautiful but more demanding. Think precise water chemistry, strong lighting measured in the right spectrums, and stable temperatures. Common sizes for hobbyists start at about 26 gal and go up from there. If you’re new to fishkeeping, it’s wise to learn freshwater basics before jumping into marine reefing.
Nano tanks, often under 10 gal, are compact and cute. Betta tanks fall into this group and are often set up as single-specimen displays with aquatic plants. Novelty tanks like Menkind holographic displays offer dazzling visuals and are great for decoration. Remember: small tanks can be more volatile with water parameters, so they need attentive maintenance.
Size matters. Bigger tanks are more stable and forgiving: water chemistry and temperature fluctuate less in a 40 gal tank than in a 5 gal aquarium. For beginners, aim for at least a 10 gal tank as your first step — it’s manageable and versatile. If you want a striking centerpiece, consider 40 gal or 80 gal displays; they become easier to manage relative to their capacity because of their larger water volume.
If you strip it down to essentials, every successful aquarium needs a tank, filtration, a heater (for tropical fish), lighting, and a place to set it (a stand). Here’s a closer look at those essentials so you know where to spend and where to save.
Filtration is the heart of a healthy aquarium. Choose a filter rated for at least the same capacity as your tank — for example, a filter rated for 40 gal on a 40 gal tank — or slightly higher. Canister filters and hang-on-back (HOB) filters are excellent choices. Flow rates are typically given in gallons per hour (gph); aim for a turnover that cycles water 4–6 times per hour for most freshwater tanks.
Most tropical fish prefer stable temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Use a heater with an accurate thermostat and a secondary thermometer. For a 10 gal tank, a 50–75 watt heater is common; larger tanks will need more wattage. Consistent temperature beats dramatic peaks and troughs every time.
Lighting choices depend on whether you have plants or corals. Freshwater community tanks need moderate lighting; planted tanks and reef systems require brighter, specific-spectrum lighting. LEDs are energy-efficient and let you dial in intensity and color. For planted tanks, consider lighting that supports growth without encouraging an algae explosion.
A sturdy stand is often overlooked until it’s needed. Glass and acrylic tanks are heavy once filled — a 40 gal tank can weigh several hundred pounds when full — so ensure your stand is strong and level. A proper canopy not only hides cables but also helps control evaporation and keeps curious pets out of the water.
Prices vary widely depending on size and complexity. Small starter kits (about 10 gal) can start around £40–£80, while mid-range 40 gal setups with decent filters and lighting might be £250–£600. Specialist reef systems and larger custom tanks can easily run into thousands. Remember, the tank is just the start: ongoing costs like electricity, replacement filter media, salt mixes for marine tanks, and test kits add up.
Look for kits that bundle quality components rather than glitzy extras. A transparent tank with a reliable filter and heater is worth more than a flashy lid with weak equipment inside. Check warranties, read reviews, and compare specs like flow rate (gph) and light PAR values for planted/reef tanks. Seasonal sales, comparison sites, and specialist forums can help you spot bargains from reputable sellers.
Think of aquarium maintenance as gardening, not housework — regular small tasks keep everything flourishing. Weekly partial water changes of 10–20% for established tanks help keep nitrate levels low. Test water parameters frequently with a reliable test kit, clean filters on a monthly schedule using tank water, and don’t overfeed — uneaten food equals wasted money and dirty water. A tiny routine each week prevents big headaches later.
Start with hardy, community-friendly fish like platies, tetras, or danios for freshwater tanks. If you’re aiming for a reef, begin by gaining experience with freshwater planted tanks or low-maintenance marine setups like fish-only with live rock. Build your confidence before moving to delicate corals or aggressive species. Think of your aquarium hobby as a staircase: each tank builds the skills you need for the next step.
Before you click “buy,” run through this quick checklist: tank capacity in gallons, filter rated for the right gph, an accurate heater and thermometer, robust lighting for your chosen inhabitants, a sturdy stand, and spare parts or replacement media availability. If you’re considering a novelty tank like Menkind holographic display, check whether it’s intended for live fish or decorative use only.
Buying an aquarium in the UK is a rewarding journey when you choose the right tank, retailer, and equipment for your lifestyle. From Menkind eye-catching novelty displays to specialist suppliers like Tropic Marine Centre and Maidenhead Aquatics, there’s an option for every budget and ambition. Start with a realistic size, pick reliable gear, and treat maintenance like gentle, regular gardening. Do that, and your aquarium will become a living work of art that grows with you.
| Aquariums | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Holographic Fish Tank | £ 199,- |
