As you may/not know, I have been to a few retailers with regards to the welfare & trading of Fish : Coldwater, Tropical & Marine.
Out of the ones I visited the one that comes out head and shoulders above the others is Aquatic Village in Brittas!!
From the outside I must admit that I was getting that sinking feeling, and was a bit hesitant to be honest. But once inside it got better & better. I had a casual look round first making a few discreet observations, The staff were busy cleaning tanks and asked if I needed any help.
( I said I was Just browsing).
The first section went a bit unnoticed. I walked through into the second section a good range of aquatic goods & accessories . A Marine section well maintained and a central octagon with Corals and inverts and masses of tube worms/ fan worms, The tanks were pristine and also the water quality. The stock was in good health.
I then went into the Tropical section and was amazed. two banks of tanks either side of the aisle. on the left there were about 6-8 tanks of Plants all in Pristine condition. what a change to see them stocked by themselves instead of as some do putting them in with the fish. There was plenty of variety and all were well rooted & clean.
I then introduced myself to Drew.
We had a general chat and then he showed me a section that they were preparing for holding, away from the display section, impressive.
I also noticed that there was 1 tank with a notice saying : New Arrivals NOT FOR SALE . That was gratifying.
All the tanks were clean & free from Debri, the fish were in excellent condition. with no overcrowding. There was a fish for every one, from the common guppy right through the range to Malawi, Tanganykan, Rare & unusal from 1 inch to a couple of feet.
Drew has a vaste knowledge as does his staff. all well trained in the aquatic field.
I was given an insight into there future plans and if they reach fruition I can see them being the leading retailer in the south if not in Ireland.
It was a case of, if we havn't got it we can get it. at this point I put an order in for some F1 Heckles!!!!!
Overall I can see The Marine section Taking over from Fish Antics as being No 1-_(Sorry Simon but you have serious competition).
The tropical section is a hobbyist Dream. Accesories are good . Plants first class & extreemly reasonable
I have stayed away from the Discus as this is my speciality and left them until last
Firstly I looked at there condition, then then to see if they were nervous, all were at the front of the tank, A good sign, none hidding away, All were eager to feed, Water quality excellent. the temp was 84, all bright and alert.
The price was the last thing.
Some may say expensiveat !00 -135 euro. But in my HONEST oppinion they were worth every penny.
Summing up :
I will make Aquatic Village my Local shop , I have no hidden agenda,The owner has sunk a lot of money into this venture.and still has plans for the future,
The added benefit being that the pub next door Does good food, so you can drown your sorrows on what you have spent in comfort.
Remember this is a Personal unbiased observation. but well worth the visit.