Knowledge Base
Shirley Aquatics has a vast knowledge base to help you learn about ponds, aquariums and reptiles. Lots of your questions answered and plenty of information to keep you occupied for hours and hours. Learn more about how to appropriately care for your fish or reptiles in our online articles, downloadable guides and videos
Why are pond pumps so expensive?
Why are fish pond pumps so expensive: An honest appraisal of pond pump features and their value for money in 2025 Whether you’re looking to replace an existing pond pump that’s lasted you ten years or you’re choosing a pond pup for the first time, there is a massive selection on the market today, and […]
How Do Sumps Work?
Thinking about buying an aquarium with a sump, but you just can’t get your head around the idea? How do sumps work? is a question we hear time and time again. If you are in the dark about sump filtration, then this video is definitely for you. A message from a sump convert! “Two years […]
Swan Mussels in Garden ponds
Swan mussels are amazing little creatures that can help to clean up your garden pond, take a detailed look into what they do, how you look after them and why you should own one
Livestock DOA and Returns Policy
At Shirley Aquatics we pride ourselves in the quality of our livestock and the care and attention that goes into the packing process. We have been selling quality livestock for 85 years and our longevity is partly owing to the service that we provide. Upon receiving your fish, please first inspect the box for any […]
Ready Made Aquarium Kits
We’ve created a range of ready made aquarium kits for you to take away with you on the day! No more waiting around for water parameters.
How to tell you’re ready for a large aquarium
A large aquarium may seem like a luxury you cannot afford. However, buying a large tank is often much more economical than you might think.
Indo Reefs – The best all-round marine tank money can buy.
We love Cleair aquariums. These marine and reef tanks offer an upgrade to the Red Sea Reefer range in almost every department but cost less!
Wintering a koi pond – your winter weapons!
Winter is a tricky time for pond keepers. Here’s exactly what you need, and what you need to know when wintering a koi pond.
What is an airstone and how to use them in your tank.
What is an airstone? Airstones provide more oxygen into your tank & look great! They’re great for fish, water chemistry, & for your plants.
Aquascaping for kids – top 10 tips
Setting up a fish tank is exciting! Create an amazing environment with plants, rocks, & wood with this simple guide to aquascaping for kids!
The Shirley Aquatics guide to STENDKER discus fishkeeping. Part 2.
Keeping STENDKER Discus is going to become a specialism as the breeding programme finishes. Here’s all you need to know to do it yourself.
The Shirley Aquatics guide to STENDKER discus keeping – Part 1.
STENDKER discus will no longer be available to buy from 2023. If you’ve always wanted to keep discus check out our guide to keeping them!
The new OASE Filtoclear and why we love it.
The OASE FiltoClear is vying to take the top spot from Hozelock’s BioForce Revolution for pond filters – here’s why we think it’s managed it.
5 basic breeds of koi and how to spot them.
The most common breeds of koi and how to identify them. Sanke, Showa, Ogon, Kohaku, and Chagoi all simply explained.
Koi for dummies – our practical guide to koi keeping
Simply written and easy to understand. Koi for Dummies is your useful guide to koi husbandry. How to get the best out of your hobby and fish!
How to maintain garden waterfalls
Garden waterfalls and watercourses are very popular, so how do you look after one once your’ve invested in it?
Pond Lighting. What you need to know.
Pond lighting can be an afterthought in outdoor projects. Here’s everything you need to know about pond illumination before you get started!
Pond Project | Everything you need to know
A pond project need lots of planning! Read this to ensure you’ve got your bases covered before you start so there are no nasty surprises!
Leopard Gecko Vivarium – create an environment in 10 minutes
Our guide to setting up an attractive, natural habitat in your Leopard Gecko vivarium quickly. Go from ’empty’ to ‘environment’ in 10 mins!
Feeding Koi. The what, when, and why.
Feeding Koi can be a delicate balancing act. Our Koi feeding chart will allow you quickly & easily identify the right food for your fish.
