At Barlows Aquatic Trading Fishkeeping has never been ‘just a hobby’ — it’s in our blood
A proper aquatic shop built by fishkeepers — trusted advice, quality products, and a team that genuinely cares.
WE DON’T SELL ONLINE — AND THAT’S DELIBERATE
At Barlows, we believe fishkeeping is personal. Our customers come back time and time again because they know they’ll get proper advice, honest service and help from people who genuinely know their stuff.
We’re incredibly lucky to have a huge and loyal customer base, with regulars who have supported us for years. Our shop stays busy because people want to see the fish, compare tanks, ask questions and explore what we have in stock.
Our warehouse is packed with aquariums, aquatic supplies, foods, aquascaping materials, décor, equipment and fish — and most people would much rather come in, have a proper look around and speak to us face to face.
We simply don’t want to turn Barlows into another faceless online shop. We’d rather give our customers the personal experience, specialist knowledge and genuine service we’ve always been known for.
We can still take telephone orders for tanks, but for everything else, come and see us — there’s far more here than we could ever fit onto a website.
Welcome to Barlows
Step inside and you’ll soon see why people travel from all over to visit us. Since 1996, Barlows Aquatic Trading has been the place where fishkeepers — beginners and veterans alike — come for good advice, great products, and a friendly chat.
We’re a family-run business built on passion, honesty, and a genuine love for all things aquatic. There’s no hard sell here — just real help, solid gear, and a few laughs along the way.
Whether you’re choosing your first tank or fine-tuning your tenth, you’ll find the same thing here every time: quality products, down-to-earth service, and a team that treats your fishkeeping journey like their own.
Our Story & Legacy
Barlows Aquatic Trading began with one man and a lifelong love of fish. From his very first small aquarium in childhood, Giles was fascinated by the colours, behaviour, and balance of aquatic life.
What started as curiosity soon grew into a passion — and eventually into a business built on knowledge, trust, and care.
Established in 1996, that same spirit still runs through everything we do — and every tank we build.
Barlows Gift Vouchers
Looking for the perfect present for a fishkeeper? Barlows gift vouchers are available to buy in store.
They’re ideal for birthdays, Christmas, thank-yous, or simply giving someone the freedom to choose exactly what they want for their aquarium.
Ask us in store and we’ll be happy to sort one out for you.
What We Offer
Step through our doors and you’ll find everything you need to build your perfect aquatic world — from beginner setups to specialist systems and breeder tanks.
We’re hands-on fishkeepers ourselves, so we know the difference between a good tank and a great one. It’s the little details that make an aquarium feel alive.
- Tropical fish & expert fishkeeping advice
- Glass tanks, cabinets & custom breeder builds
- Natural décor — roots, bogwood, stone & authentic sands
- Reliable filtration, heating, lighting & maintenance gear
- Premium foods, conditioners & treatments
- BD Trading Aquarium Sand
Meet Giles
Behind every tank, every bit of advice, and every satisfied customer is Giles — the heart of Barlows and the one who started it all in 1996.
Giles is the sort of fishkeeper who never stops learning. Over the decades he’s built up the knowledge customers travel for.
What matters most has always stayed the same: fish welfare, honest advice, and helping people create aquariums they’re proud of.
What Our Customers Say
“Best fish shop for miles. The fish are always healthy, the tanks are spotless, and the advice is honest. Giles knows his stuff and actually cares. Even the dogs — Mavis and Squiggles — make it feel like home.”
“Proper customer service — no pressure, just genuine help. I went in for ‘a quick look’ and left with everything I needed and the confidence to do it right. The shop is unreal and the fish quality is top.”
“We’ve been coming to Barlows for years. The stock is always excellent and the advice saves you money in the long run. Friendly team, brilliant shop, and it’s nice seeing a real fish shop still doing it properly.”
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