There is something distinctly fishy about the new store in Wauchope. Bubble & Splash Tropical Fish Aquarium recently arrived at shop 1/42 Cameron St, Wauchope. Owner Craig Hahn believes fish make the perfect pet and staff Jess and Allison (pictured) agree.

Craig says there is so much need in the Hastings area which has many fish enthusiasts and Craig believes his own passion for fish is resonating well with customers.

Fish are certainly low maintenance and if you get an aquarium and fit it out with the right filtration system and well balanced water to begin with, a fish tank can be a very easy and rewarding addition to a home. What you will find at Bubble & Splash Tropical Fish Aquarium is a selection of rare fish you may not find in other stores.

Apistogramma or Double Reds are a tiny tropical fish with a shy nature but the most vibrant colours. The fish retire if you approach the tank directly but a patient watcher will be rewarded with interesting behaviours and stunning colour displays from these exotic little fish.

Craig’s interest in fish surfaced after an accident left him with a broken back and unable to work.

‘I’ve always been an active person, I’ve always worked. I went from doing a 50 hour week to doing nothing’.

This change brought about by the accident had an affect on Craig’s health, both physically and mentally.

‘You get frustrated, anxious. That’s why I got into fish. I figured I needed something to keep me occupied’.

What started off being a hobby then grew to 16 tanks at home in his two bedroom house and something had to give. Craig is still not allowed to lift, squat, push, pull, kneel or bend and has other complications which make a normal job out of the question so he decided to start a business from his beloved hobby instead.

‘All the tanks in the shop came from home’ explains Craig. And remember, this was in a two bedroom house!

Selling rare fish has given Craig a renewed zest and purpose and the Bubbles & Splash team delight in the opportunity to spend a little extra time helping customers with fish care information.

Craig’s big tip helps customers to avoid overfeeding their fish.

‘When a tank goes white and cloudy, it’s generally a sign that there is too much food. All the food should be eaten before it hits the bottom of the tank’.

Craig believes that people overfeed their fish out of love and explains there is a better way and that is by giving fish variety of food in very small quantities. Zucchini, carrot, black worms, blood worms, feeder fish for some species, algae, plants, mosquitoes and bugs are all menu options for a happy fish.

‘Fish are relaxing and interesting to watch. How each fish varies - from high flow tanks, some don’t like a lot of flow. Freshwater African Cichlids are very active. Discus just kind of float around. There is a breed of fish to match every personality'.

Surprisingly, Bubble & Splash offer both home delivery and lay-by. Craig knows what it is like to be stuck at home trapped by illness and in terms of cost and up-keep fish are frugal pets. They eat very little and the low cost adds to a fish tanks ability to provide a little calm and company.

Arriving soon…. King Tailed Tetras