Readers Poll 2024 Winners Announced Practical Fishkeeping

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Words by Alex Bell
The year seems to have flown by, it feels like just the other month we were all finding out who had won the various categories in the Practical Fishkeeping’s Readers Poll and who managed to make it into the top 40 shops. Somehow, it is that time of the year again and it is time to announce the results for 2024.
There is always a wave of excitement when the results are released with both the hobbyists waiting to plan their next road trip to visit the top shops, and shop staff eagerly waiting to see if their hard work has paid off. We cannot wait to get out and visit as many as we can as well, because the top shops always leave us feeling inspired for great new projects and aquariums.

Credit: Horizon Aquatics
There are, of course, plenty of familiar names that continue to thrive in their niches, and we congratulate all of you for your continued excellence; hitting the same high standards year on year takes a lot of passion and dedication. Additionally, though, this poll gives us all the chance to spot, highlight and praise the new names, and up-and-coming stores, for the effort they devote to their underwater trade. To break through during what have been testing times, with costs continuously rising for things like imports and electricity, it is even more of an incredible achievement than it usually would be.

Credit: Premier Aquatics
Winner: Once again it is Maidenhead Aquatics, with stores all over the UK, there’s no doubt they are a household favourite. Catering for the masses is challenging, but with so many stores (and an impressive online retail space) there will always something to catch your eye, no matter your niche.
 
Runner-up: Last year’s independent retailer of the year is now challenging the big dogs. Premier Aquatics continues to impress, spurred on by the knowledge and passion of owner Steven Chester, their name crops up in conversations up and down the country- despite being based solely in Runcorn.
Winner: Not content with being the retailer of the year, Maidenhead Aquatics has bagged themselves another big title. With online retail being very much fixed in the community now, it’s no surprise that their easy to use and informative website has pushed Maidenhead Aquatics to top spot.   
Runner-up: Unfortunately for Charterhouse Aquatics, they have been pipped to first place after many years at the top. They continue to thrive though, offering a huge range of quality products; you are bound to find what you need. Their sleek website, and detailed descriptions are enough to tempt anyone into splashing the cash on the latest gear.
Winner: Not only are they challenging for the retailer of the year, they’ve gone and secured the independent retailer too! A quick look at Premier Aquatics is all that you need to immediately see that they clearly put a lot of time, and effort, into creating a welcoming shop, engaging social media and top-quality livestock choices. 
Runner-up: A shop many will have heard of, if not visited, Wharf Aquatics in Nottingham takes the runner-up slot. Having routinely featured in the poll throughout the years, it was almost a certainty they’d be included here again; it was just a question of which category they would be in, or perhaps more accurately categories.
Winner: As hinted above, it is Wharf Aquatics again, this time with the winner’s medal for their outstanding marine section. Two words come to mind here, quality and consistency. You are bound to receive quality livestock from Wharf, and the consistency of both the selection available and advice provided is, well, award worthy.
Runner-up: Last year’s winner, is this year’s second place, Finest Aquatics continue to set a high standard for marines. Situated in Cheshire, it is worth the trip for anyone to visit and see some really special livestock offerings.
Winner: They may be runner up for general marines, but they retain the coral crown this year. Finest Aquatics repeatedly show their expertise with how they look after their sessile invertebrates. Even if you can’t get there to visit, I urge you to check out the coral pages on their website, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Runner-up: With a collection of corals that’ll make even devoted freshwater fans envious, Yorkshire Reefs, new comer to the poll, are this year’s runners up. They are clearly already building a strong fan base; a quick glance at their staff’s experience and it is easy to see why.   

Credit: Yorkshire Reefs
Winner: A strong online following, regular in person workshops, a gallery of aquascapes that’s bound to inspire and a team of fun and knowledgeable staff to help guide you in your underwater gardening journey, Horizon Aquatics is the place to be. Whether a beginner, or an experienced ‘scaper they’ll have what you need.
Runner-up: A shop that had a long run at the top spot of this category, between 2014 and 2019, Emperor Tropicals situated in Devon is runner up this year. With a great range of hardscape to pick through, and quality plants, there’s no surprise we see them in the poll again.

Credit: Horizon Aquatics
Winner: Yet another well-deserved victory for the wonderful Wharf Aquatics, their dedication to cichlids from all over is clear to see. Whichever species you are trying to track down, I am sure they’ll be happy to assist you if they don’t already have it in one of their shop tanks.
Runner-up: Steven Chester, owner of Premier Aquatics has been in the hobby breeding some fascinating cichlids for a long time. So, it is no surprise to see this passion reflected in the livestock choice offered in the shop, gaining another second place in this year’s poll.
Winner: Replicating the cichlid results, the winner for the catfish award goes also to Wharf Aquatics. A clear fascination for species that many won’t even notice in a sales tank, this shop is certainly one you’ll not want to rush around. Only those that take the time to check every inch of a tank will see the vast range of whiskered friends they have to offer.
Runner-up: As above, Premier Aquatics takes the silver medal in this category too. With regular live unboxing videos of fish deliveries on socials, you can be one of the first to spot the rare catfish arriving and can make sure you don’t miss out on picking yourself up a new breeding.  
Winner: This time it’s another victory for Premier aquatics, and you can see why. The staff are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the weird and wonderful fish available in the hobby. Not only do they stock them, but if you’ve got a question about how to care for them, you’ll be sure to get the right information from the team.
Runner-up: About 2 and a half years ago, Fish Planet opened their doors for the first time. Now they feature as a runner up in the oddball category, and I am sure they will continue to grow their already stellar reputation.
Winner: Chens Discus of Cambridgeshire unsurprisingly take the win here again. A fixture in the PFK poll results and it’s easy to see why, with high quality discus and so much choice, they are the go to place for many delighted discus keepers.
Runner-up: Although Aquatic World in Cardiff aren’t a discus specialist, they have gained a reputation for being a great place to pick up this recognisable cichlid and the results speak for themselves.

Credit: Fishkeeper Southwest
Winner: Nestled seamlessly into a wonderful garden centre in sunny Cornwall, the pond section of Fishkeeper Southwest has everything a pond keeper could want. With a range of aquatic and marginal plants, some stunning fish, including beautiful koi, and all the dry goods you’ll need to build or maintain your pond, you will not be disappointed by this shop.
Runner-up: As the name implies, Pond planet know their ponds. With a team experienced in design, maintenance and installation you’ll be sure to get some great support in your water gardening journey.
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