Innovative new products for pond keepers plus keepers of reptiles and amphibians were acknowledged in the Aquatics Zone at PATS 2025 last weekend.
The dedicated area for reptile, aquatics and watergardening specialists had its own New Product Showcase and New Product Awards chosen by a team of retail experts in three categories – outdoor, indoor and reptile.
The outdoor category prize went to the Orbis mini-pond from Velda. The compact accessory allows householders to enjoy the benefits of owning a water feature in a balcony, terrace or conservatory as well as in a garden of any size.
Velda is one of distributor ALF’s exclusive brands, and the award was collected by ALF sales director Ian Blinco of ALF and Velda owner Elgar Veldhuis.
The winner of the indoor category was AxoStart from NT Labs. The filter starter specifically designed for axolotls features a blend of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and is effective at a lower water temperature than previously available solutions. The product is available in 100ml and 250ml pack sizes.
The reptile category award went to Arcadia Evo Rx food from Monkfield Reptile.
The product for snakes and omnivorous reptiles is a compound feed including raw meat such as chicken and is formed into sausage-shaped pieces to provide an alternative to frozen rodents.
The Awards were presented to the winners by PATS 2025 event director Gordon Thomas.
A full list of winners with judges’ comments follows below.
PATS 2025 Aquatics Zone New Product Award Winners
Indoor
AxoStart
NT Labs
Judges said: AxoStart is a product that stands on its own, and is designed specifically for the growing-in-popularity market of axolotls. This overtakes normal dechlorinators as it is species specific.
Outdoor
Orbis Pond
Velda
Judges said: This is a visually appealing product for all pond keepers, new and old. It is compact, easy to use and comes at a bargain price.
Reptile
Arcadia Evo Rx
Monkfield Reptile
Judges said: This is a fantastic new product that fills a much-needed gap in the market at a good price. It will be useful addition to the current food offerings.
