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Birchwood Aquatic Centre FAQs

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Birchwood Aquatic Centre

Whether you’re setting up your very first aquarium, maintaining a thriving reef tank, or looking after a large garden pond, it’s natural to have questions. At Birchwood Aquatic Centre, we’re asked everything from “Do you buy fish back?” to “Can you test my water?” and “Do you have parking?”

We’ve brought together the answers to the questions we hear most often to make planning your visit easier and to help you get the most from your fishkeeping hobby.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t worry. Our friendly, experienced team is always happy to help in person, over the phone or via social media.

Why Choose Birchwood Aquatic Centre?

We’ve worked hard to create a modern aquatic centre that combines expert advice with an extensive range of livestock, aquariums, pond supplies and equipment.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced aquarist, we believe every customer deserves honest advice—not just a sales pitch. If we think something isn’t right for your aquarium or pond, we’ll tell you.

When you visit us you’ll find:

  • Healthy tropical, marine, coldwater and pond fish
  • Corals, invertebrates and aquatic plants
  • Aquariums and complete aquarium setups
  • Pond equipment, pumps, filters and treatments
  • Water testing and expert advice
  • Friendly staff who genuinely enjoy fishkeeping

Many of our team keep aquariums or ponds themselves, so the advice you receive comes from real-world experience.

Before You Visit

If you’re making a special journey, it’s worth checking our opening hours before travelling. We have free customer parking directly outside the shop, making it easy to collect larger purchases such as aquariums, pond liners, water, filters and bags of gravel.

Looking for something specific? Give us a call before you travel. We may already have it in stock, or we may be able to order it for you.

Looking for Fishkeeping Advice?

One of the things we’re most proud of is helping customers solve problems.

Whether you’re struggling with green water in your pond, algae in your aquarium, fish compatibility, water quality or choosing the right equipment, we’re always happy to help.

If possible, bring:

  • A water sample
  • Photos of your aquarium or pond
  • The dimensions of your aquarium or pond
  • A list of your current livestock

The more information we have, the better advice we can give.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting Birchwood Aquatic Centre

Is there parking at Birchwood Aquatic Centre?

Yes. We have convenient on-site parking directly outside the shop, making it easy to load larger purchases such as aquariums, pond equipment and bags of gravel.

You’ll find us on London Road, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7QD, with easy access from the M25, A20 and surrounding areas including Dartford, Bexley, Bromley, Sevenoaks and Orpington.

  • Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:30pm
  • Sunday: 10:30am – 4:30pm

Please check our website or social media for any seasonal opening hour changes.

No. Just come in during opening hours.

Buying Fish

Can you help me choose fish?

Absolutely. Whether it’s your first aquarium or your fiftieth, our team can recommend fish that are suitable for your aquarium size, water conditions and existing livestock.

Yes. We offer in-store water testing and can explain the results and recommend any changes needed.

We carefully inspect all livestock before it goes on sale and monitor the health of every system. While no retailer can guarantee livestock will never become ill, we work hard to maintain healthy, well-managed systems.

Yes. In most cases we’re happy to reserve livestock for a short period. Please speak to a member of staff for details.

Yes. If you’re looking for a particular species, let us know and we’ll do our best to source it through our trusted suppliers.

Yes. We stock tropical freshwater, coldwater, marine fish, corals, invertebrates and pond fish throughout the year.

Rehoming Fish

Do you buy fish?

Yes, sometimes. We occasionally purchase fish from customers, particularly larger koi, unusual or rare species, or healthy specimens that are suitable for resale.

As every fish is different, we assess each one individually based on factors such as its species, size, health, condition and whether we have space available.

If you think you have fish we may be interested in, please contact us first with:

  • Clear photographs
  • The species (if known)
  • Approximate size
  • Quantity
  • Your location

We’ll let you know whether it’s something we’d be interested in purchasing or whether a rehoming arrangement would be more suitable.

Often, yes. If you need to rehome healthy fish, please contact us first with:

  • Photos
  • Species
  • Approximate size
  • Quantity

We assess each case individually as it depends on space, compatibility and demand.

Usually not. Most fish are accepted as a rehome rather than purchased, although exceptionally valuable or rare specimens may be considered individually.

Aquariums & Equipment

Do you stock spare parts?

Yes. We stock a wide range of spare parts including impellers, filter media, pipework and accessories for many popular brands.

Yes. If it’s available from one of our suppliers, we’ll usually be able to order it for you.

Yes. We sell reverse osmosis (RO) water and Salt water for Tropical and Marine aquariums. 

Yes! We stock a wide range of aquariums for beginners through to experienced fishkeepers.

We’re proud to stock the full range of Juwel aquariums, one of the UK’s most trusted aquarium manufacturers. If the model you’re looking for isn’t currently in stock, we can usually order it in for you within around one week.

Alongside Juwel, we also carry a selection of smaller aquariums suitable for tropical, coldwater and nano setups, making it easy to find something to suit your space and budget.

If you’re planning a marine aquarium, we can order a range of high-quality marine systems to suit your requirements. Our team will be happy to discuss the best options and help you choose the right equipment for your new setup.

Whether you’re buying your first aquarium or upgrading to a larger display, we’re always happy to offer advice and help you choose the perfect tank.

Pond Questions

Do you stock pond fish?

Yes. We stock a wide range of pond fish including koi, goldfish, shubunkins, orfe and other pond favourites throughout the season.

Yes. We carry a large selection of pond plants during the growing season including oxygenators, marginals, floating plants and water lilies.

Absolutely. Bring us a photo of your pond or your water test results and we’ll recommend the most suitable solution.

Returns & Guarantees

Can I return livestock?

As livestock are living animals, we don’t normally accept returns or offer refunds once fish, corals or other livestock have left the shop.

However, we understand that occasionally things don’t go to plan. In exceptional circumstances, and at our discretion, we may be able to help. For example, if a newly purchased fish isn’t getting on with your existing livestock, we may be able to exchange it for a more suitable alternative.

Any exchange will depend on the health and condition of the animal, how long it has been since purchase, and whether we have suitable space available. Please contact us as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any issues, and we’ll always do our best to help find a solution.

If you’ve purchased faulty equipment, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll deal with it in accordance with your consumer rights and any applicable manufacturer warranty.

A receipt or proof of purchase makes returns and warranty claims much quicker, so we recommend keeping it.

General Questions

Are you dog friendly?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in store, provided they’re kept on a lead and under control at all times.

Of course. We love welcoming future fishkeepers! We simply ask that children are supervised and don’t tap on the aquarium glass.

Yes. Gift vouchers are available and make a great present for any fishkeeper.

Absolutely. We’re always happy to help with fishkeeping advice, whether you bought your aquarium from us or elsewhere.

Yes. If you’re unsure about something, just give us a call or send us a message. No question is too small.

Definitely. Photos often help us diagnose problems much more accurately and allow us to give better advice.

While we don’t offer an in-house installation service, several members of our team carry out aquarium installations and maintenance privately in their own time. If you’re looking for help setting up a new aquarium, moving an existing one or ongoing maintenance, speak to us and we’ll happily put you in touch.

For ponds, we also work with a trusted local pond specialist who provides pond cleaning, maintenance, equipment installation and general pond services. We’re always happy to recommend someone we know and trust.

Helpful Guides

Still Need Help?

Every aquarium and every pond is different, so sometimes a quick conversation is worth far more than a generic answer online.

If you still have a question after reading our FAQs, please get in touch or visit us in store. Whether you need advice choosing your first fish, diagnosing a pond problem or planning a complete aquarium upgrade, we’re always happy to help.

Birchwood Aquatic Centre
London Road
Swanley
Kent
BR8 7QD

Telephone: 01322 664397