AQUASCAPE SERVICES TERMS & CONDITIONS

Matthews Aquatic Paradise Ltd
Effective date: 8 September 2026

These Aquascape Services Terms & Conditions apply to customers purchasing aquascaping, planted aquarium, aquarium design, installation and related services from Matthews Aquatic Paradise Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”).

By accepting a quotation, booking an aquascape service or instructing us to begin work, you agree to these terms.

These terms do not affect your statutory rights as a consumer. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, consumer services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill and in accordance with what was agreed.

1. Our Aquascape Services

Our aquascape services may include:

• Aquarium aquascape design
• Aquarium setup
• Planted aquarium design
• Freshwater aquascaping
• Nature-style aquascapes
• Iwagumi-style aquascapes
• Jungle-style aquascapes
• Low-tech planted aquariums
• Aquarium planting
• Hardscape installation
• Rock and wood arrangement
• Substrate installation
• Aquarium equipment setup
• Aquascape redesigns
• Existing aquarium makeovers
• Bespoke aquascape installations
• Ongoing aquascape maintenance

The exact services provided will be stated in your quotation, booking confirmation or agreed service description.

2. Quotations

Where appropriate, we will provide a quotation before work begins.

The quotation may include:

• Design and planning;
• Labour;
• Aquarium preparation;
• Plants;
• Rocks and hardscape;
• Wood;
• Substrate;
• Equipment;
• Delivery;
• Installation; and
• Other agreed items.

The quotation will identify any significant exclusions or additional charges where reasonably foreseeable.

Our quotations are normally valid for the period stated on the quotation.

If no validity period is stated, we may withdraw or amend a quotation before it has been accepted where circumstances have materially changed.

3. Price Transparency

We aim to provide clear and transparent pricing.

Any mandatory charges known to us before the contract is agreed will be communicated to you.

We will not deliberately introduce hidden charges after you have accepted a quotation.

If additional work becomes necessary that was not reasonably foreseeable when the quotation was prepared, we will discuss the additional work and cost with you before carrying it out, wherever reasonably possible.

A significant price increase will not be imposed without your agreement where agreement is required.

4. Accepting an Aquascape Service

An aquascape service becomes booked when:

• You accept our quotation;
• You confirm the booking in writing;
• You make any agreed deposit payment; or
• You otherwise instruct us to proceed.

The exact point at which the contract is formed will depend on how the service is booked.

You should retain your quotation, booking confirmation and these Terms & Conditions for your records.

5. Design Process

Our aquascape design process may involve discussing:

• Aquarium dimensions;
• Aquarium location;
• Desired aquascaping style;
• Fish and livestock;
• Plant choices;
• Lighting;
• Filtration;
• CO₂ requirements;
• Maintenance requirements;
• Budget;
• Hardscape materials; and
• Your preferred appearance.

Designs are prepared based on the information available to us.

Where a customer requests changes after a design has been approved, additional design or material costs may apply where clearly communicated and agreed.

6. Aquascape Styles

We may offer different aquascaping styles, including:

Nature Aquarium

A natural-looking arrangement using plants, rocks and/or wood to create a landscape effect.

Iwagumi

A minimalist style primarily using carefully positioned stones and aquatic plants.

Jungle Style

A densely planted aquarium with a fuller and more natural appearance.

Low-Tech Planted Aquascape

An easier-care planted aquarium designed around plants and equipment that may require less intensive maintenance.

The final appearance of a natural aquascape may vary from photographs, examples or digital designs because plants, rocks, wood and other natural materials are individually different.

7. Natural Materials

Aquascaping frequently involves natural materials.

These may include:

• Natural stone;
• Driftwood;
• Aquarium soil;
• Sand;
• Gravel;
• Live plants; and
• Other natural aquarium materials.

Natural materials can vary in:

• Shape;
• Colour;
• Size;
• Texture;
• Grain;
• Growth pattern; and
• Appearance.

Where a particular piece of natural material has been specifically selected and agreed, we will endeavour to use that material.

Minor natural variation will not normally constitute a defect.

8. Aquarium Plants

Aquatic plants are living products and their appearance can change following planting.

Plants may experience a period of adjustment after installation.

Some plants may lose existing leaves and produce new submerged growth after being introduced to an aquarium.

Plant growth depends on factors including:

• Lighting;
• Nutrients;
• CO₂;
• Water parameters;
• Temperature;
• Maintenance;
• Plant species; and
• Aquarium conditions.

We cannot guarantee a particular growth rate or appearance where factors outside our control affect plant development.

9. Existing Aquariums

Where we work on an existing aquarium, we will assess the aquarium and equipment as reasonably practicable before beginning.

Unless specifically included in the quotation, we are not responsible for repairing defective equipment belonging to the customer.

If we identify an issue that could make the aquascape installation unsafe or unsuitable, we may recommend that the issue is addressed before work continues.

10. Aquarium Equipment

Where equipment is supplied as part of an aquascape package, the equipment supplied will be identified in the quotation where reasonably practicable.

Equipment may include:

• Filters;
• Lighting;
• Heaters;
• CO₂ equipment;
• Air pumps;
• Pumps;
• Timers;
• Controllers; and
• Other aquarium equipment.

Manufacturer warranties may apply separately to equipment.

Nothing in these terms removes your statutory rights concerning faulty goods.

11. Customer Responsibilities

Before installation, the customer must provide accurate information about the aquarium and installation location.

You are responsible for informing us about known issues including:

• Existing leaks;
• Aquarium damage;
• Electrical problems;
• Plumbing issues;
• Weak or unsuitable surfaces;
• Access restrictions;
• Previous chemical treatments;
• Livestock health issues; and
• Other circumstances that could reasonably affect the installation.

You must provide reasonable access to the aquarium and installation area.

12. Aquarium Location and Structural Suitability

Aquariums can be extremely heavy when filled with water, substrate, rocks and equipment.

Unless structural assessment is specifically included in our quotation, the customer remains responsible for ensuring that the building, flooring, stand and supporting surfaces are suitable for the aquarium.

Where we reasonably believe the proposed location is unsafe or unsuitable, we may refuse or postpone installation until the issue has been addressed.

13. Installation

We will carry out installation with reasonable care and skill.

Installation may include:

• Aquarium preparation;
• Substrate placement;
• Hardscape positioning;
• Planting;
• Equipment installation;
• Water preparation;
• Aquascape arrangement; and
• Initial setup.

The precise scope will depend on the quotation.

14. Changes During Installation

Aquascaping is sometimes an iterative process.

Minor adjustments to plant placement, rock positioning or wood positioning may be made during installation to achieve the agreed design.

Material changes that significantly affect the agreed price or scope will be discussed with you before additional costs are incurred, wherever reasonably possible.

15. Additional Work

If additional work is requested by the customer, we will explain any additional cost before undertaking the work where reasonably possible.

Examples may include:

• Additional plants;
• Additional rocks;
• Additional wood;
• Additional equipment;
• Additional substrate;
• Aquarium repairs;
• Additional installation time; or
• Changes to an approved design.

You will not be required to pay for optional additional work that you have not agreed to.

16. Aquascape Maintenance

Where maintenance is included, the frequency and scope will be stated in the quotation or service plan.

Maintenance may include:

• Plant trimming;
• Replanting;
• Algae management;
• Water changes;
• Cleaning;
• Hardscape adjustment;
• Equipment checks; and
• General aquascape care.

Maintenance requirements can vary depending on the aquarium and livestock.

17. Livestock

Where fish or other aquatic livestock are included in an aquascape package, they will be identified in the quotation where reasonably practicable.

Livestock health can be affected by aquarium conditions, transportation, acclimatisation, water parameters and other factors.

Customers must follow reasonable care and acclimatisation instructions provided to them.

Nothing in these terms excludes or restricts any statutory rights that apply to Goods supplied by us.

18. Aquarium Cycling and Biological Maturity

A newly established aquarium may require time to biologically mature.

Where an aquarium is newly installed, we may recommend an appropriate cycling period before livestock is introduced.

We do not guarantee that an aquarium will immediately achieve stable biological conditions.

Customers are responsible for following reasonable instructions concerning cycling, water testing, feeding and livestock introduction.

19. Water Parameters

Water parameters can change after installation.

We may provide recommendations concerning:

• pH;
• Ammonia;
• Nitrite;
• Nitrate;
• General hardness;
• Carbonate hardness;
• Temperature; and
• Other relevant parameters.

We cannot guarantee permanent water parameters because aquarium water chemistry can be affected by customer maintenance, source water, livestock, equipment and environmental factors.

20. Customer Changes After Installation

Once an aquascape has been completed, customers should avoid making significant changes without appropriate consideration.

Unauthorised changes to:

• Hardscape;
• Plants;
• Substrate;
• Equipment;
• Lighting;
• CO₂;
• Filtration; or
• Livestock

may affect the appearance or performance of the aquascape.

We cannot be responsible for problems caused by changes made by the customer or another third party after completion.

21. Aftercare

Where appropriate, we may provide aftercare instructions.

These may include guidance on:

• Lighting duration;
• Feeding;
• Water changes;
• Fertilisation;
• CO₂;
• Plant trimming;
• Filter maintenance;
• Water testing; and
• General aquarium care.

Following these recommendations can help maintain the aquarium, but we cannot guarantee a particular biological or aesthetic result.

22. Service Delays

We will aim to complete the Service within the agreed timeframe.

Delays may occur due to circumstances outside our reasonable control, including:

• Supplier delays;
• Product shortages;
• Weather;
• Transport problems;
• Access issues;
• Equipment availability;
• Unexpected aquarium problems; or
• Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

If a significant delay occurs, we will communicate with you and seek a reasonable alternative arrangement.

23. Cancellations

If you need to cancel or rearrange an aquascape appointment, please contact us as soon as possible.

Where statutory cancellation rights apply, they will be respected.

Any cancellation charges applying outside statutory cancellation rights will be reasonable and communicated before the contract is entered into.

We will not automatically retain all deposits or payments where doing so would be unfair or contrary to applicable consumer law. The CMA specifically warns that excessive cancellation charges and automatic loss of upfront payments can be unfair.

24. Distance and Off-Premises Contracts

Where an aquascape service is purchased online, by telephone or away from our business premises, additional consumer information and cancellation requirements may apply.

Where a statutory cancellation right applies, we will provide the required information and cancellation arrangements.

If you request that the Service begins during a statutory cancellation period, we may require your express request and confirmation as required by law.

25. Bespoke Aquascapes

Aquascapes may be individually designed for a customer’s aquarium.

Where a service involves bespoke or personalised elements, cancellation rights may be affected depending on the nature of the contract and whether Goods or Services are involved.

We will explain any applicable cancellation restrictions before the contract is formed where required.

Nothing in this clause removes statutory rights relating to defective Goods or Services that have not been provided with reasonable care and skill.

26. Photographs and Portfolio

We may wish to photograph completed aquascapes for our portfolio, website or social media.

We will seek appropriate permission before using identifiable images of a customer’s private property or personal information for marketing purposes.

You may tell us if you do not want your aquarium or property used for marketing purposes.

27. Payment

Payment terms will be stated in the quotation.

Depending on the project, payment may be required:

• In full before installation;
• By deposit and balance;
• On completion; or
• According to an agreed payment schedule.

All mandatory charges will be communicated before the contract is agreed.

28. Defects and Complaints

If you believe an aquascape service has not been provided with reasonable care and skill or does not match what was agreed, please contact us promptly.

We will investigate the issue and, where appropriate, offer a suitable remedy.

Depending on the circumstances, consumer law may provide rights to require the service to be performed again or to receive a price reduction.

29. Statutory Rights

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits or excludes your statutory rights.

In particular, we do not exclude rights relating to:

• Services not performed with reasonable care and skill;
• Goods that are faulty;
• Goods that are not as described;
• Goods that are not fit for purpose; or
• Other rights that cannot legally be excluded.

UK guidance confirms that statutory rights cannot simply be removed through contractual wording.

30. Liability

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability where doing so would be unlawful.

This includes liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by negligence;
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
• Breach of statutory consumer rights; or
• Any other liability that cannot legally be excluded.

We are not responsible for problems caused by customer actions, third-party alterations, unsuitable equipment supplied by others, failure to follow reasonable care instructions or circumstances outside our reasonable control, except where applicable law provides otherwise.

31. Complaints Procedure

If you have a concern about an aquascape service, please contact us with:

• Your name;
• Booking or quotation details;
• Date of installation;
• Description of the issue; and
• Photographs or other relevant evidence where appropriate.

We will review the complaint fairly and aim to resolve it as quickly as reasonably possible.

32. Fair and Transparent Terms

These Terms & Conditions are intended to be fair, clear and transparent.

Consumer contract terms must be fair, and businesses cannot rely on unfair terms.

If any provision of these terms is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

33. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws applicable in the relevant part of the United Kingdom.

If you are a consumer, nothing in these terms prevents you from relying on mandatory consumer protections available to you.

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Matthews Aquatic Paradise Ltd

Aquascape Services Terms & Conditions – Version 1.0
Last updated: 8 September 2026

These terms should be read alongside the Matthews Aquatic Paradise Ltd Terms of Sale, Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Returns & Refunds Policy and any individual quotation or service agreement.