What we do

Design

Every project is unique. We try to accommodate this fact by encouraging our clients to use their own creative zeal and visualise their ideas. We combine this with our own expertise and conceptions to create the best result possible. We feel collaboration is key. We can of course lead the design stage too if the client feels this is more appropriate.

Installation

Regardless of pond, water feature or aquarium, the process of creating the agreed upon designs is managed throughout to ensure client satisfaction. This is our priority and follows a detailed planning process in which we incorporate both the clients desires and the surrounding environment, whilst generating a thriving ecosystem within. All systems will be carefully matured and only then will suitable livestock be added that complements both the aesthetics and client preferences. Custom aquariums and ponds can be specified to fit most spaces, not just standard sizes.

Maintenance

Our maintenance contracts are tailored to individual clientele. They be a stand alone service or part of an aftercare package following the installation of pond, aquarium or water feature. Maintenance includes equipment servicing as well as display cleaning. We recognise every client has differing requirements and the service will be designed to suit. Regardless of a busy lifestyle, we wish our clients to enjoy their chosen aquatic centrepieces to their full potential.

Consultancy

Whether its a breakout of disease or designing an aquarium to fit in a large unusual space, we enjoy using our skills to create the desired outcome. Routine fish health checks or your most ambitious aquatic dream realised and established, we always deliver a quality service. Full reports on pond or aquarium systems can be provided highlighting any inherent issues and/or suggestions of treatments. We can provide a further educational service where we can train and advise on pond and aquarium maintenance and ongoing care.

Other Services

We can cater to any of your aquatic needs, so please don’t be afraid to contact us. Even if it seems as though it may be something unrelated to our business; we are here to help. Other services we offer include: house moves for aquariums and ponds, holiday care, refurbishments and much more. Take a look at a small selection of some of our past jobs here.

Who we are

Education

We at Specialist Aquatic Solutions have cumulatively spent many years working in and around the aquarium trade, starting out as keen young hobbyists and further progressing into relevant higher education. Between us we are highly qualified with National Diplomas in Fish Management and degrees in Marine Biology BSc (Hons) and Sustainable Aquaculture Systems MSc (Hons), giving us a substantial background of applicable knowledge to draw on.

Careers

Professionally we have a wide range of skills gleaned in various aquatics based industries; management in aquatic retail; working as Biologists and Divers in a large renowned and reputable public aquarium; fish farming: and pond and aquarium design, installation and maintenance.

Fish Crazy

Perhaps most importantly, we love what we do and wish to pass on the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm that we have in creating a living piece of art and seeing it nurtured and flourish for all to enjoy.

The Team

James – Director

James has spent the past 11 years working in the aquatics trade; starting at the prestigious Sparsholt College and specialising in Fish Management (Ornamental).  During this time, experience was gained throughout the field through numerous public aquariums and fish farms, as well as the state of the art National Aquatic Training Centre on site. This course is recognised internationally as an in depth qualification in fish behaviour and biology, water quality, elasmobranchs, fish health and more. On leaving college, he was appointed as Manager of a Maidenhead Aquatics store. After 5 more years of practical hands on experience – particularly in marine aquariums – he was offered the role of Biologist and Diver at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth. Here, he was heavily involved in the largest ever import of live fish into the UK, the first ever breeding and rearing of eagle rays, Green Mandarin and French Grunts in the UK and the care of the largest aquarium in the country. Now he is using his experience from the aquaculture, retail and public aquarium trade to offer design, installation, maintenance and other aquatic services for the private sector, be it for a business venture or a labour of love in the home.

Nick – Director

Nick has an extensive range of knowledge and qualifications that he has accumulated within the past 13 years of his involvement in the aquatic field. Firstly graduating Plymouth University – renowned for Marine Sciences programmes – with a Degree in Marine biology and a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Aquaculture. These courses are in high demand as they provide sound biological, environmental, behavioural and ecological knowledge, with further specialism in sustainability, integrated aquaponics and water quality and fish health in recirculating systems. All this combined with a passion for all things aquatic from a young age he was soon in the employ of the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, gaining 7 years’ experience as a Biologist and Diver. A wide range of aquatic care ranging from multiple tropical reef tanks to the specifics of maintaining a chilled Giant Pacific Octopus exhibit. Further skills gained include treatment and post mortem examination of a variety of species from large elasmobranchs to smaller teleosts, extensive PVC plumbing and pipework skills and a number of breeding projects. He is now bringing all these aspects together to provide clients with exclusive and quality aquatic services through SAS Aquatics.

Adam – Senior Biologist

Adam has a long impressive history in the Aquatics trade. Graduating from Plymouth University with a degree in Marine Biology he soon found himself running the SeaQuarium, Weston-super-Mare. After a period of 3 years he then moved to the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth as a Biologist and Diver for a further 3 years. Here he cared for the largest native marine aquarium in the country. Adam now works as a Fisheries Enforcement officer for IFCA whilst – of course – carrying out work for us when required.

Below – Adam posing with a 6ft Central America Cichlid aquarium. This was taken after the completion of a successful aquarium house move from Cornwall to London so we’ll forgive his funny face.

Prices

Most of our work is carried out at fixed rates.

We charge for call out (each visit) and then an hourly rate depending on the number of people needed.

£50.00 Call out charge:

This covers the first hour of a team member being on site.
Per additional person(s)  + £10.00

Hourly rate thereafter:
For 1 person – £30.00 p/hr
Per additional person(s)  + £20.00 pp/hr

For more specific jobs such as full design and install of projects we are able to give estimates on request.

We are happy to travel but where necessary (further distances and house moves) a travel charge of £0.45 per a mile may be applicable.