I own the UK’s biggest fish tank – I’ve spent £20,000 on my hobby but I don’t regret it
A FISH fanatic claims to own the UK’s biggest domestic tank – a colossal 14ft long, 12ft 8ins wide and 7ft deep.
Jack Heathcote has spent more than £20,000 transforming his suburban semi into a giant aquarium which houses 400 fish – and doesn’t regret it for a second.
The underwater exhibit in his cellar holds 4,800 gallons of water weighing an incredible 22 tonnes – 12 times heavier than a family car.
And it is so big he has to dive in to clean it – from his dining room floor.
The 49-year-old said: “You could rightly say my hobby has taken over my house as well as my life.
“As far as I know, this tank is the biggest domestic tank in Britain.
“I would love to hear of someone taking up the challenge of building a bigger one.”
READ MORE IN UK NEWS
Jack installed a network of nine tanks in his five-bedroom house in Carlton, Nottingham, when he moved in almost 20 years ago.
Initially, these were filled with hundreds of tropical species from around the globe.
But heating that amount of water for exotic fish was costing him £200 a month, so he switched to cold water varieties in 2016, cutting his bill in half.
The 7ft deep tank is now home to 50 perch, rudd and tench – which Jack caught in a local canal – and four huge mirror carp.
Most read in The Sun
In total, Jack reckons he has forked out a “small fortune” on his marine hobby.
But he says it’s more than worth it because it’s his main source of entertainment as he doesn’t own a TV.
He paid £700 for the glass panels, £800 for the fibreglass lining, and estimates the tank cost £5,000 to build and install.
However, sourcing the fish, maintenance and food have meant he has racked up a bill of around £20,000.
Self-confessed “fish nutter” Jack said: “Down the years I’ve probably spent around £20,000 on my fish.
“It’s a hobby I’m passionate about and am happy to pay what amounts to a small fortune.
“But there are people who spend more money on their hobbies, like on miniature railways or antiques.”
Do you have a similar hobby that has taken over your house or life? Email alice.fuller@the-sun.co.uk
Jack’s interest in fish started aged five when he got his first goldish.
But his passion really took hold after a trip to a Blackpool aquarium at the age of 10.
“It really inspired me, and it went on from there,” he said.
“The fish don’t have names, but they definitely have personalities.
“I can watch them for hours interacting with each other. It’s very relaxing.
“No one says they think my hobby is odd. People say they are envious of the extent I indulge my passion.”
It’s a hobby I’m passionate about and am happy to pay what amounts to a small fortune.
Jack Heathcote
Thankfully Jack’s girlfriend Sally is also a fish fan and sees them as a great addition to the home.
She told ITV’s The Pet Show: “He loves his fish. He lives and breathes fish.
“The first time I met Jack I just thought it was all a bit weird, but I do love them.
“And I do recommend a fish tank to anyone if they want to relax. It is lovely.”
Jack has no plans to sell his house, but doubts the tanks would be a problem if he did ever decide to move.
He said: “The estate agent thought the indoor pond would be an issue in selling my previous house, but it sold very quickly without any problems.
“There are plenty of fish fans out there who would love to live here.”
Former council office worker Jack, who is now a landlord, now plans to launch a tank building business to spread the fish love.
Read More on The Sun
“It would be marvellous to introduce people to the joys of keeping fish in a big tank,” he said.
“I would be on hand to give them all the advice they would need.”
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at exclusive@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours
Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks.