HISTORY

The year was 1957 when AquaPets first opened its doors, at 96 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction.   Now 88 is now the location. There is no information about the original owner, but it must have been a good little business with staying power.  Horst and Helen Fischer purchased AP from Frank and Dee Watson in January 1973, and sold to the present owners Chris and Monika Kawecki in July 2003.  The  earlier years for the Fischers were fraught with difficulty, as the previous owner had other commitments and had lost interest, but the business prospered and earned the respect and affection of its customers, as it does today with Chris and Monika.   A fond memory when Horst and Helen  became the new owners in 1973, was “Clarence the Croc”.  He was a 20cm baby crocodile who resided in a rock-pool like bathtub in the front window – doubtless to attract attention.  AquaPets has never dealt in reptiles, so he found a good home at the zoo.
 
Improvements Within the Industry
 
In 1984, new laws were introduced re the importing of live ornamental fish. Importers were required to set up quarantine premises which were strictly controlled by AQIS. Fish now had to be in quarantine just like any other imported animal. This eliminated the possible importation of species and micro-organisms dangerous to the environment.  All reputable aquarium business owners welcomed this event, as it provided additional assurance to hobbyists and importers alike that fish were allowable imports and in good condition.
 
Old Times  - Fishkeeping not for the faint-hearted.
 
When Horst was a young boy in Germany in the 50’s he became fascinated with keeping tropical freshwater fish. This required improvisation and ingenuity because the sophisticated equipment, medicines and information which exists today, was simply not available. Aeration? An old inflated tyre inner-tube.  Heating? A light bulb hung in the tank with salt, and blankets wrapped around the tank nightly, in the cold European winters.  Food? Ride a bicycle to a pond and catch Gambusi as live food.   A later addition of an air pump proved so noisy that the budding aquarist’s mother banished it to the cellar, under the potatoes. 
 
Chris has had a fish tank since he was a child. After moving to Australia he grew as a hobbyist and became active in fish breeding especially cichlids.
Together with Monika they have bred several very rare species and when their fish room was not big enough they have purchased the shop from Horst and Helen.
 
Today the hobby has never been more popular. Domestic, medical, commercial premises etc. all realise the value and beauty of a sparkling aquarium – a joy to see. Pets are of great importance in the lives of most people.   Fish and birds are an attractive alternative to cats and dogs in our ever growing cities with their high and medium density housing, and diminishing opportunities for a traditional house with garden.  Aqua Pets keeps up with the latest technology,  has great after sales service, can do most repairs, and can offer a regular tank maintenance service. 

 

 

At your service, Chris Kawecki