Swell UK Ltd Reviews 

2,874
TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.1

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 401 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many people encountered significant issues with product quality, receiving items that were damaged, broken, or not as described upon arrival. Customers frequently reported problems with delivery, including delays, missing items, and a lack of tracking information. A major source of frustration was customer service, often described as non-existent, unresponsive, or slow to provide resolutions. However, some customers also noted positive experiences, receiving orders quickly and in good condition, sometimes praising the packaging. A few reviewers found products amazing or suitable, and some described customer service as superb and helpful when issues arose.

What people talk about most

Product

Customers had ambiguous experiences with product quality and delivery. Many reviewers reported receiving... See more

Order

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with order fulfillment, with many reporting significant... See more

Delivery service

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of delivery service, with many customers expressing significant... See more

Customer service

People report ambiguous experiences with customer service, with many expressing significant dissatisfaction.... See more

Response time

Clients share negative opinions on response times, with many reviewers reporting significant delays in... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I ordered Giant Orange Sulawesi Snails from Swell UK, which were supposed to be around 5 cm in size. Unfortunately, the delivery was delayed, which was already disappointing. But the biggest issue w... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Purchased a new tank online and received it around 5 days after. After 2 weeks when I done a water change water started coming out the bottom, I had a leak. I urgently went to my local shop and bought... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

The item took the best part of two weeks to arrive after ordering, and when it did arrive, it was damaged and very poorly packed. In fairness, Swell did offer a 20% discount, but the damage c... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

1 item sent broken. 2 items were totally missed off my order. It took me about 5 emails over the space of a week to get them to rectify the situation.


Company details

  1. Pet shop

Information provided by various external sources

Swell UK are the UK's leading retailer of Aquarium and Pond Products. The pond range includes pond pumps, pond filters, pond liners, fish food, pond treatments and more for every range of pond whether you have a small feature pond or a large koi carp pond. Our aquariums cater for all the fishkeeper's needs from fish tanks, pumps and lighting to treatments and aquarium decor.


Contact info

2.1

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

3k reviews

5-star
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1-star

Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 7% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 month

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2.1

All reviews

(2,874)

394 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Horrible company

Horrible company, ordered something by accident emailed within 5 mins of placing the order for it to be cancelled next day got a response saying it’s already been dispatched I can refuse or return it for a full refund, the parcels then left on the street been stolen so I cannot return or refuse it, email communication is a joke over 40 emails back and forth, had to open a PayPal case and screenshot all the communication to get a full refund, if these guys were more local I would defo bang some heads of there desks absolutely furious with this incompetent company

3 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Would give zero if I could ordered a…

Would give zero if I could ordered a 4ft vivarium in November came damaged wanted to keep it and was told I would receive replacement parts I am still waiting after a string of emails and phone calls and all the.promises of parts being ordered I still have nothing and desperate to get my snake into his bigger viv but cant as glass was broken. Customer service are nice enough but just keep telling you same thing and nothing resolved its been hurrendous

15 November 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Unresponsive customer support

Ordered 2 small tanks, both turned up with chips in, one with only a small chip but the other needs returned, been waiting now for a week to my return request but nothing, called but can never get through, no response to emails, happy to take your money but useless at customer support, wouldn't take another swell product if it was free.

Update: after sending in a separate form from the website I got contacted 10 days after I first raised the issue, the form says the online returns are faster but the broken item form was what got the job done, new tank sent out and arived in good condition.

27 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Faulty light

I've used Swell in the past for ordering live food and saw they had a deal on the fluval Roma 125 setup at Christmas so placed an order. The tank arrived at the start of January and I set up. Everything works fine except the light, it has never worked and I have been trying since the setup arrived to have the light replaced. I keep getting fobbed off asking if I've tried various different things which I have and it still doesn't work. I've also discovered they didn't send me the aquasky light that is meant to come with it. I have the Roma 200 from a different company and have never had any issues with the light. I've informed them that if a replacement isn't sent that I will be taking it further, 2 months down the line and still no replacement is beyond a joke. They've also deleted my account since I started complaining.

1 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor customer service

Poor customer service. Asked to return a terrarium as my daughter bought it and then shortly after had to stay in hospital for an extended time. She decided she would rather return the item and get a refund as she was limited in using it. However Swell wouldn't accept it back even though it had not been used and was in perfect condition as some of the packaging had been removed. Followed by a quite patronising suggestion to try selling it online, like it wouldnt have crossed our minds, but Swell could have made this easier for us at a very difficult time and they completely let us down. I have never had this kind of issue with any other retailer. Very disappointing and as a family we would never purchase anything from them again

1 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic company

Recently acquired a red foot tortoise 5yrs old. SWELL have been outstanding!!! Great information. Amazing products .Outstanding delivery.
I wish everyone at Swell ..good fortune and to say thank you for everything you have done to give me the confidence to look after 'Winston' Knowing I can get great advice when needed is amazing.

26 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Don’t use this company

Well here I am 5 weeks after originally ordering a pump and liner had to send pump back and ordered another one told refund could be up to 14 days well it’s now 26 days and communication is sparse phone doesn’t connect and we still haven’t got our refund even though we have sent them a picture off it in there warehouse won’t be using them again or recommend them

30 January 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I ordered over the weekend and hadn't…

I ordered over the weekend and hadn't received a confirmation email, I panicked so emailed for confirmation & tried to call them but lines were closed until the Monday. Thankfully I received an email that morning with a confirmation (Monday) and the next day I had my order. I was sceptical because of the reviews I had read online (after I ordered) but apart from lack of communication I'm happy that I have received my order in time for my son's birthday. I've not set the tank up yet but so far so good

21 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolute shithouse of a company

Absolute shithouse of a company, they've messed up three orders on a row now. First one, charged me twice, second, sent the wrong stuff to me, third time, the package never arrived, tracking number doesn't even exist
Absolutely useless shower of bastards, avoid using them at all costs. I'd rather shit in my hands and clap than use them again.

21 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Ordered a tank on a Wednesday

Ordered a tank on a Wednesday. They sent email on friday saying it had been dispatched and would be with me the next Thursday. On the Tuesday they sent another email saying that they dont actually have the tank in stock and would not have it for another 2 weeks and said to contact them if this was okay or to start a refund. I phoned them at 9am, the time there phone lines open and was on hold for 2 hours. There automated robot mentions there is a huge delay in the dispatching and this message was recorded before Christmas. They can update there phonelines but not there website where the point of sales is made?? They never answered the phone. Emails. Or there customer support centre on there website. Others online mentioned contacting banks, so I opened a dispute with paypal to get my money back and surprise surprise I suddenly got an email back 30 minutes later saying they will issue the refund it will take a little while. So I responded 1 hour later saying im not closing the paypal dispute untill confirmation of money returned. Almost instantly after that I got an email from paypal saying they issued a refund. Do not use this company. They will do everything they can to avoid returning your money for as long as they can. I used linc aquatics who delivered my tank the very next day. No issues.

12 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Purchased a fish tank

Purchased a fish tank. Arrived late damaged/ smashed after being delayed twice. Numerous contacts over a 3 month period. No replacement and have not issued a refund despite several requests. Very poor service

21 November 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Scandalous company

I placed an order. A delivery date was given for the order which never happened. A week later I had an email advising a new date. I replied within 12 hrs suggesting other dates in writing as per their request. No reply was given. The delivery attempt was made with zero contact or warning. I tried to email multiple times with no reply. An attempt was made again with zero contact. I spent an hour on the phone and asked for a refund. I was put on hold for ages whilst they discussed and was then asked for evidence of my email which I sent. I was then told I was to be charged for the failed delivery! Despite saying they could not confirm a date in writing for delivery they could confirm the charge and refund in writing! They were rude, obnoxious and seemingly committing fraud. The call came to end as “we close the lines at 530pm” despite keeping me on hold for most of it. I’m contacting trading standards. Do not purchase from this company. I have a pay by 3 with PayPal that I can’t stop and I fear I’ll be paying for an item I’ve asked for a refund for. If that comes to pass I’ll be reporting them for theft. I should add I’m also disabled with a degenerative, currently incurable and progressive brain disease with symptoms amplified by stress. This experience has knocked me for six

18 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Awful customer service

I have been trying to sort a damaged item under warranty and it would be easy and faster to send a pigeon, that I grew from an egg. Its painful! Come on guys..... 3-4 days for an email reply is unacceptable or sitting on hold for hlurs to speak to someone 🤔

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Well where to start

Well where to start! First of all don’t make my mistake and do your research! Ordered a £600 aquarium. Did not have my colour in stock. I emailed and called to give alternative choices. Called multiple times and emailed and received nothing but very poor service. Finally came to the conclusion that I had to go elsewhere so requested a refund and guess what? No refund! Avoid at all costs! Now going through fraud case

9 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Don’t deliver things when they say they…

Don’t deliver things when they say they will. Don’t communicate. Don’t reply quickly to communications. Incorrect items delivered. Don’t answer the phone when you call to address this. Have tried a few times now as the prices are competitive, but they are too unreliable and I won’t be using them again.

12 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic service

I have always visited the retailer to buy my tropical fish, I have kept tropical fish for over 60 years.
This is the first time ordering fish on line , the delivery was excellent , kept informed of time of delivery and arrived bang on time.
The packaging was excellent , the water was still 24c , the fish looked really happy.
When released the fish settled straight in .
I will be ordering my fish this way in future
Well done Swell , very happy customer , and very happy fishes.

11 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

RUN! Do not order!

RUN!! Do not order!! Absolutely rubbish company. Poor service from the start. Ordered a whole aquarium and stand set up- not cheap. I was told numerous emails that I was required to be home to accept delivery. I took a day off my job- unpaid. No delivery. Two months on I still have no aquarium and no refund!!! They acknowledged it was delivered elsewhere, not to me and still will not give me my refund! I have bought elsewhere and am all set up. I will Never order from them again!!!

11 February 2026
Unprompted review

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