From shop closure to new beginnings: the Harrogate duo determined to keep aquatics alive

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When the aquatic shop where Ethan and Ali worked looked set to close, they could have simply moved on. Instead, they decided to take a leap of faith and create the kind of aquatic shop they believed Harrogate was missing.

Nearly a year later, that idea has become Phoenix Aquatics, a new specialist store in Pannal bringing together marine, freshwater, planted aquariums, nano tanks, amphibians and wildlife ponds under one roof.

However, for Ethan and Ali, Phoenix Aquatics is about much more than selling fish and equipment. It is the result of a shared passion for the hobby, decades of hands-on experience and, perhaps most importantly, a remarkable show of support from the local aquatic community.

When they announced their plans, customers, friends and fellow hobbyists rallied behind them, offering everything from practical help and encouragement to financial support. What started as two people wondering what they could do next quickly became a community project – and gave Ethan and Ali the confidence to turn their fledgling idea into reality.

Their ambition is simple: to create a place where experienced reef keepers and aquascapers can find specialist expertise, while someone buying their first aquarium or a child's first pet fish feels just as welcome.

With Ethan bringing years of experience in marine stores and a particular passion for reef keeping, and Ali specialising in freshwater aquascaping, wildlife ponds, nano tanks and customer education, the pair believe they have found the perfect combination of skills to make Phoenix Aquatics different.

Their focus is firmly on responsible fishkeeping, healthy livestock and helping customers create environments where fish, amphibians and invertebrates can genuinely thrive – rather than simply making a quick sale.

They are also keen to provide voluntary opportunities and have partnered with You Choose, a programme delivered by North Yorkshire Council and supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through funding from the Government. Through this partnership, they host work placements that enable participants to share skills and build confidence.

And after the community helped them get the shop off the ground, Ethan and Ali are now hoping that Phoenix Aquatics can become a place where that same community continues to grow.

Where to find Phoenix Aquatics

Phoenix Aquatics is at the new Thirkill Park development in Pannal, just a stone’s throw from Pannal train station, opposite Claro Hill Vets and next-door-but-one to Happy Barista.

The shop is easily accessible from the Harrogate Bypass, with plenty of parking right outside and flat, level access to the entire downstairs area. Dogs are welcome too, with water and treats available for four-legged visitors.

The shop is open seven days a week, with a late-night opening until 8pm every Thursday.

Whether you are an experienced reef keeper, planning your first aquarium, looking for advice on a wildlife pond or simply curious to see what they have created, Ethan and Ali would love you to drop in, have a look around and say hello.

Pop in, meet the team and discover Phoenix Aquatics for yourself – you might just find your next aquatic project waiting for you.