Terms and conditions

AJ Aquatics – Terms & Conditions 

Effective Date: 15 September 2022  Last amended: 29 January 2026

Business Name: AJ Aquatics  

Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire, UK  

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ajaquatics

By accessing and using this website or engaging with AJ Aquatics, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully.

AJ Aquatics – Client Guide & Service Terms

Welcome to AJ Aquatics. My aim is to make caring for your aquarium or pond as smooth, supportive, and stress‑free as possible. These terms explain how I work, what you can expect from me, and how we can work together to keep your system healthy and enjoyable.

They’re written in a clear, friendly way so nothing feels complicated or formal just honest communication.

Health & Safety

Your safety, my safety, and the wellbeing of your livestock always come first. To help keep the working area safe:

• pets should be secured  

• children should be supervised during maintenance  

• the area around the aquarium or pond should be clear enough to work safely  

• I will always take sensible precautions to prevent slip hazards while working with water, keeping both you and myself safe throughout the visit

If I ever spot a safety concern, I’ll always talk it through with you and find the best way forward.

Client Responsibilities

A little preparation helps each visit run smoothly. Clients are asked to:

• ensure the aquarium or pond is accessible  

• let me know about any known issues with equipment, livestock, or water quality  

• confirm in advance if specific products or parts are needed  

If something unexpected is required on the day, a follow‑up visit may be needed.

Equipment & Product Liability

I always handle equipment with care and use safe, appropriate methods. However, I cannot take responsibility for issues caused by:

• old, faulty, or poorly maintained equipment  

• equipment that was incorrectly installed before my involvement  

• products supplied by the client that turn out to be unsuitable  

If I install equipment myself, it will be fitted to the best of my professional ability. Manufacturer faults fall under the product’s warranty, and I’m always happy to advise on next steps.

I cannot accept responsibility for livestock loss caused by equipment failure, or for delays caused by supplier stock issues.

If equipment is unsafe or unsuitable, I may decline to install it — but I’ll always explain why and offer alternatives.

Livestock Welfare & Ethical Care

Animal welfare is at the heart of everything I do. I always aim to support a healthy, stable environment, but some factors are outside anyone’s control.

I cannot accept responsibility for:

• pre‑existing health issues  

• underlying conditions  

• livestock loss caused by equipment failure or water quality issues that developed before the visit  

• unsuitable stocking choices made prior to my involvement  

I will never carry out work that could harm livestock. If something requested may negatively affect the animals, I’ll discuss it openly and suggest a safer option.

I may decline ongoing care or new livestock additions if a system is dangerously overstocked or set up in a way that compromises welfare.

New livestock cannot be guaranteed to survive, as stress and natural behaviours play a role.

If I believe veterinary care is needed, I will always let you know sensitively.

Cancellations & Rescheduling

If you need to cancel or move an appointment, please let me know as soon as possible.

If less than 24 hours’ notice is given, the appointment may need to be moved to the next available slot. Repeated short‑notice cancellations or missed appointments may result in bookings being paused.

If I ever need to reschedule due to illness or emergencies, I’ll always communicate promptly and arrange a suitable alternative.

Access & Entry

When I arrive, I’ll always knock and wait for the door to be answered — unless you’ve told me beforehand that you’re comfortable with me letting myself in. Some clients prefer to say “come in,” and I’m happy to follow whichever approach suits you.

Please ensure someone is home at the agreed time, or that clear entry instructions have been provided. If I can’t gain access, the appointment may need to be rescheduled.

If there are parking restrictions, security gates, or anything else I should know about, just let me know in advance.

Service Limitations

I always aim for the best possible results, but some things are outside my control. This includes:

• long‑term water clarity  

• algae behaviour  

• livestock behaviour  

• system performance between visits  

I do not offer emergency call‑outs, veterinary services, or 24‑hour monitoring.

I also cannot take responsibility for issues that develop between visits, such as equipment failures or sudden water quality changes.

For safety reasons, I do not carry out:

• structural repairs (floors, cabinets, stands, walls)  

• household plumbing or electrical work  

Anything involving mains electrics or permanent fixtures must be handled by a qualified professional.

Resource Use & Intellectual Property

All written guides, care sheets, photos, videos, maintenance notes, and any other resources provided by AJ Aquatics remain my intellectual property. These materials are created to support you with your aquarium or pond and are for your personal use only.

Clients must not:

• copy, share, or redistribute any resources I provide  

• upload my materials to websites, social media, or online groups  

• pass my guides or instructions to other people or businesses  

• use my content for commercial purposes, training, or resale  

• claim my work, photos, or written materials as their own  

If you would like to share something I’ve created, please ask first. I’m usually happy to help — I just need to make sure my work is being used fairly and in the right context.

This policy helps protect the time, experience, and effort that goes into creating my resources, and ensures they are used safely and responsibly.

Payments & Invoicing

Domestic Clients

Payment is due on the day of the appointment unless we’ve agreed otherwise. I accept standard payment methods and will always confirm costs clearly.

Invoices, where needed, are issued promptly. If a balance becomes overdue, future appointments may be paused until everything is up to date.

Specialist or pre‑ordered items may require a deposit.

Commercial Clients

I understand that commercial clients often have internal processes, approval systems, and payment cycles that must be followed. I’m happy to work within your organisation’s requirements, including purchase orders, invoice references, or specific billing procedures.

Invoices will be issued in line with your internal system. If an account becomes overdue, services may be paused until everything is brought up to date, helping scheduling and resources run smoothly.

Larger installations or specialist orders may require a deposit or staged payment structure.

Livestock Sales

Retail Livestock Sales (General Public)

Livestock is available for purchase by the general public. All fish, plecs, and shrimp are checked for health and condition before sale, and I always aim to provide animals that are suitable for your aquarium and level of experience.

Once livestock has been collected, responsibility for transport, acclimation, and ongoing care passes to the buyer. I cannot guarantee survival after collection, as this depends on handling, water parameters, and conditions within your aquarium. 

If you have any concerns after purchase, please contact me as soon as possible so I can offer guidance and support. Livestock cannot be returned once taken away due to biosecurity and welfare reasons.

Wholesale Livestock Sales (Shops & Trade Customers)

Wholesale orders are available for selected fish, plecs, and shrimp. Wholesale pricing applies to trade customers only and may require a minimum order quantity. All livestock is inspected before leaving my care, and I always aim to supply healthy, well‑conditioned animals suitable for resale.

Once livestock has been collected or delivered to the shop, responsibility for transport, acclimation, holding conditions, and ongoing care passes to the buyer. I cannot guarantee survival after collection or delivery, as this depends on handling and conditions outside my control.

Any concerns must be reported on the same day of receipt so I can support you where possible. Wholesale orders are non‑refundable unless agreed otherwise in advance.

Updates to These Terms

These Terms & Conditions may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in services, best practice, or legal requirements. Any updates will be made in a clear and transparent way. If a change directly affects an existing client or ongoing service, I will communicate this with you so you always know what to expect.

Compliance With UK Consumer Rights

These Terms & Conditions are written to align with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and general UK service‑provider expectations. They are designed to be clear, fair, and transparent, and are reviewed and updated where needed to reflect best practice and legal guidance.