Charlie Swallow
How long have you been a Maidenhead Aquatics team member?
I joined the company back in 2021 at our Tong store and now I run the store at Leeds South
How long have you been keeping fish?
Probably since I was ¾ years old
What was your first aquarium and what fish did you keep in it?
A 60L tank stocked with a red halfmoon betta, a school of Cardinals, Cory’s, Ottos & Amano shrimp.
What species do you most enjoy keeping and why?
Over the years I have always kept freshwater fish and never tried marine, but suddenly, I have fallen for the brightly coloured and quirky saltwater fish. This has inspired me to start my own marine tank and keep my favourite fish - The Flame Angel
What pearl of wisdom would you give to first-time Fishkeepers?
Plant heavy from the start! This will help with algae issues and look amazing from the start. Use a good quality aqua soil like Flora First, I’ve had great success with this whether it be a high-tech tank or low-tech.
What would be your dream aquarium?
Either a hardscape only tank with discus, a huge school of Rummynose tetras & Adolfo Cory’s or a mixed reef full of colourful bright coral and fish
What’s your favourite aspect of work at Maidenhead Aquatics?
Interacting with the customers, getting to know them and their tanks and helping them though their aquatic journey.
What questions do you ask customers often?
How big is your tank and what are you currently stocking? This gives us an idea of what fish they can take home to their tanks and what fish work well with each other.
What’s your secret fishkeeping “top tip”?
Little and often- whether it's feeding or cleaning this makes life so much easier. Also, a good quality filter! Don’t cheap out on some off brand filter then spend a fortune on a light, your filter is the support system of everything you keep. So, if you buy cheap buy twice or, for the same price get a reliable branded filter like Oase or Fluval that will last a lifetime.