Ben’s Corals Opens at Stonham Barns Park in Suffolk​

Ben’s Corals – owned and run by specialist Ben Smith from Ipswich – offers a spectrum of marine aquarium systems, with equipment ranging from accessible starter kits at £200 to advanced systems valued at around £10,000. This flexibility means the hobby can be as simple or as intricate as each customer chooses, guided by the time and passion they wish to devote.

The outlet features a comprehensive selection of mesmerising, neon-coloured corals and marine fish. The aquarium setups are all tailored to support sustainable and responsible aquatic environments. Corals are carefully sourced from reputable regional aqua culture farms and from renowned marine fish destinations, including Indonesia and Vietnam, ensuring both variety and ethical standards.  

With research and knowledge, closed eco-systems have evolved significantly over the years and are still becoming enhanced with the technological improvements. 

As a young child Ben was brought up with an interest freshwater and saltwater environments because of his father Richard’s reefing hobby, starting with goldfish and moving into tropical fish and marine fish.  He worked at a tropical and marine fish shop at 17 where he expanded his knowledge base.  In 2021 he changed career path, training as an Apprentice Electrician, but then gave up the role when he began selling marine corals from home and made a success of it.  

He set up Ben’s Corals in 2024 and is launching his shop just a year later.  Ben, now 27, lives with his partner Tiegan and son Felix in Ipswich.

Ben says, ‘It is the most engaging and interactive hobby you can have – and it allows you to pursue a hobby that is home based which makes it fun and educational for the whole family. Anyone who thinks that they might be interested should come along and look at the vividly stunning colours of the fish and the coral and see what they need to get them started. Any enthusiasts who are already in deep can come and see what we have to offer them to turn their dream marine eco systems into a reality.’

Ben further explains, ‘Saltwater eco systems need fish and invertebrates that

perform specific roles within the aquarium to keep it balanced so the marine life can live together in perfect harmony. It is a skill that requires time and patience. Once you master the art of marine fish keeping you can enjoy the spectacle that you have created for your home or business setting.’

He adds, ‘It’s about recreating the ocean, but in a way that in a home environment sustains the life and balance the ecosystem needs. You can marvel at the beauty of the fish and coral thriving in an eco-system that works with as much or little maintenance as you want.’

Ben also notes, ‘Marine enthusiasts normally start as tropical fish keepers but move onto marine fish and corals. Global travel has made the hobby more popular as people experience the incredible beauty of fish and corals from a diverse range of oceans and seas. For me it’s always been about the corals. They are so just captivating and enticing. The magnificent colours and intricate structures make the hobby so pleasing.  I look forward to bringing this magic and awe to the people of East Anglia and beyond.’

Ben names his favourite corals as Rainbow Jelly Bean Chalice and his Australian holy grail Micromussa.  It is his hope that once the business is established, he will be able to make a research trip to Raja-Ampat in Bali to visit the Coral Conservation team there and dive in Indonesian waters to see the coral in all its natural beauty.

Ben’s commitment to environmental awareness is reflected in responsibly sourced products and his advice and education for those eager to explore marine aquatic systems.

Stonham Barns Park has over 40 retailers at its Retail Village selling everything from antiques and furniture to wildlife carving and glassware, and from garden plants and hot tubs to art shops.

For further information contact Ben’s Corals on 07521 914469 or email benscorals@outlook.com

Stonham Barns Park been serving the community of Suffolk since it opened, and it is now becoming a more prominent part of Suffolk tourism which is growing exponentially year on year.  Stonham Barns Park itself welcomes many visitors from all over the UK – particularly from London, the South-East and from as far away as The North and Scotland.  The venue includes a café-restaurant Café 24, Carters of Suffolk Teapot Pottery and Tearooms, a Golf Centre, Garden Centre, shopping village and Legends Sports Bar – a bar developed in honour of a variety of sporting legends – for the use of the community and those visiting for holidays and short breaks. 

For more information about Stonham Barns Park please contact 01449 711901 or visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk