Petworld, Aarhus,Denmark

A Visit to a Danish Big Box Pet Store
Petworld - Aarhus, Denmark

By Aquarticles Editor

Original to Aquarticles

A rather non-descript entrance to a big box pet store located in a Danish mall in Aarhus, Denmark

During an extended period of time living in Denmark I bought most of my fish and aquarium supplies from a small local shop located in my village on the westcoast of Jutland. I had heard of some really top-knotch aquarium stores located near Roskilde or Copenghagen, but I unfortuantely never made it over for a visit. When I asked about any really "good" aquarium shops somewhere on Jutland, I was told to visit Petworld, near the medieval town of Aarhus. I was at first disappointed to see that it was what we call a "big box store" in North America. My experience with such stores is that they are rarely worth spending much time in. Usually the fish stock is limited, the stock turn-over is slow, the products are over-priced, and the target market is the novice aquarist. I am happy to say that none of these stereotypes applied to the Petworld store I visited in Denmark. In fact, I found the fish section of this large pet store to be better stocked, better priced, and better run than many dedicated aquarium stores I have visited over the years.

Of particular note, the products on display were in many cases far superior in design to any I have seen in North America or Asia. Many of the glass tanks, light hoods, and filters on sale were innovative and beautifully designed.There was an emphasis on aesthetics that showed me why northern Europe is so well thought of by serious aquarists. True, the pricing for the really stylish equipment was a bit high...but not so high as to dissuade me from the purchase of such equipment were I in the market for a new tank set-up. In the photo essay to follow, I will try to highlite what I found to be especially noteworthy in the way of aquarium equipment and products on sale.

Typical over-view of any big box pet store in North America or Europe...

Some fine Tropica plants (Aprox. 6 Danish Kroner = $1 US)

Geophagus sp. (left) African lungifsh (right)

Salamanders

Turtles

Turtles (Terrapin); Aprox 6 Danish Kroner = $1 US

An overview of most of the fish tanks

A really innovative aquarium; when assemble, the filter box in the corner is
covered by the fiber glass vertical log (which in the photo is on top of the aquarium)

The aquarium on right was approximately $1000

Some really good deals on drift wood; the extra large pieces (3 feet and longer)
were just over $50 each; I think this would work out close to being cost

Approximately 6 Danish Kroner = $1 US

Some rocks on offer

Filter media sheets (left) Live feeder gold fish (right)

6 Danish Kroner = Approximately 1 $US

Examples of some really innovative aquariums; the internal power filter in the tank at left is hidden
by the vertical fiber glass log; in the tank at right, filter media is inserted inside the tank along
the outside panel of glass; I also really admire the clean lines of the tank's stainless steel design,
and the simplicity of its hood and stand.

Frozen foods and live foods for sale

A very large golden algae eater on sale

Cute little turtle

Some nice ornamental shrimp for sale

I am not quite sure what this fish was named!

Fine Tropica plants on sale; 6 Danish Kroner = approximately $1 US

The staff were in the Christmas spirit the day I visited