Swallow Aquatics Colchester

The refurb, post lockdown, has been superb, with the new cafe, dining area and garden, the real cherry on the cake. We have been coming here for a few years, buying fish, flowers and more, and it's lovely to see the modern improvements the management have made. This is a lovely nursery, incredibly well stocked, and well worth a visit. Good prices, friendly service, ample parking and a bit if a hidden gem.

This is the only place we go to get items for our indoor and outdoor fish. It has loads for wildlife ponds and ornamental ponds and lots of tropical fish. The staff are always fantastic and helpful. They have now gone one further and have a rescue petting zoo (donations asked for) full of fantastic animals that you can get close to (goats, sheep, piglets, parrots, rabbits, chickens etc). Our kids loved stroking and feeding the tortoises.

Incredible range of livestock and products for both fresh and salt water fish. My partner is a professional aquarist, and this is easily one of the best suppliers we've seen.

Mainly come here for aquirium products. There's a good range and reasonably priced. The fish tanks however are not that clean. I have bought 2 severums from here but would advise quarantining new fish first before adding to a community tank. Should do that anyways but the water doesn't look clean there, tropical fish had fin rot.

A fantastic selection of fish, freshwater (tropical and temperate) and marine. Some hidden bargains in terms of rarer fish that were very reasonably priced for what they are. Aquatic plant selection was excellent too. In regards to reptiles, again a great selection. I'd say their display terrariums could do with some TLC though. Lots of dead plants that had dried out and not all enclosures were as humid as they should be. Nonetheless lovely helpful staff and well recommended! Added to my mourning gecko collection today.

The marine vertebrates section is excellent. There's lots of choice, and all the fish look healthy. Inverts and coral were limited, but lots of bargains to be had.

This is located inside Millrace Nurseries, and is prob one of the best aquatic centres in area. They have a variety of tanks and fish, variety of birds, and sometimes hamsters etc. If you are after an accessory for your pet then there is a good chance they will have it here!

Staff on my 1st and only visit seam to walk pass you When you do catch one ther knowledge on stock and it’s whereabouts is poor I directed one member who was trying to assist a customer the wrong way It’s a basic thing know where your stocks located

My visit was a returning shop as Swallow Aquatics is always my go to place for new fish or any pond supplies. I went in to replenish my fish stock and buy some new water marginals. I was served by a very polite and knowledgable young man. He asked me a few questions about pond size, what filtration and water treatments I use. I did not in anyway feel this was intrusive, quite the opposite. It is refreshing to know that the staff care about where the fish (which have been kept to the highest quality) are going and have the highest chance of survival. As to the accessories/consumables, I’ve never visited and not come away with what I’ve wanted and and always found the prices very competitive.

Good selection of fish . Loved the one eyed puffer fish . Plant selection poor ...maybe the weather or all the good stuff went yesterday.