At Barlow 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.
Welcome to Barlows
Step inside and you’ll soon see why people travel from all over to visit us. For nearly three decades, 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.
Nearly 30 years later, that same spirit still runs through everything we do — and every tank we build.
Buy a Barlows Gift Voucher
The perfect present for any fishkeeper — whether they’re starting their first tank or upgrading their dream setup. Choose a voucher and let them pick exactly what they love.
Buy Gift Vouchers
What We Offer
Step through our doors and you’ll find everything you need to build your perfect aquatic world — from beginner kits to specialist setups and breeder systems.
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 nearly thirty years ago.
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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