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Learn how to pick the right aquarium plants, substrate, lighting, and fertilizers to ensure that your aquarium plants thrive and stay healthy.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Search Petco to learn about blackwater fish aquariums. We want to help you decide what lifestyle is best for your unique fish.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for freshwater livebearers, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Shop Petco for low-maintenance aquarium decorations like the El Nino fern. We want to help decorate your aquarium to keep your fish happy and comfortable.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Our top ten most important tips for removing and keeping algae out of your aquarium.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Before you buy any fish, you will need to set up the tank. A basic set up includes: a tank, filter, hood/light, heater, gravel and some decor. The tank should run without fish for at least 4 to 6 weeks. This gives it time to cycle. The Nitrogen Cycle is critical to the health of the tank and any fish you will be keeping. During this time, beneficial bacterial will populate the filter and substrate (gravel). These bacteria will be responsible for breaking down fish wastes and other wastes (uneaten food, dead plants, etc.). You will need a home test kit to monitor water chemistry (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH) or you will have to submit water samples for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. At first, you will see high levels of ammonia and nitrites. Over time, as bacteria grow, these levels will drop. When ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm and nitrates are below 20 ppm, you can consider adding fish. Regular (every 1 or 2 weeks) partial water changes as we
Updated on September 24th, 2025
For small bodied fish (tetras, minnows, guppies, etc) the general "one inch of fish per gallon" rule will likely be fine. For larger bodied fish (goldfish, plecos, Oscars, etc), it should be closer to one inch of fish per 3 gallons of water. Always use the full grown adult size when deciding how many fish to keep. Take into account schooling fish as well which should be kept on groups of at least 5-6 fish.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hi, and thanks for your question. There is a general rule about it which is a rough estimate not to overcrowd your aquarium and avoid excessive production of feces and organic debris. The rule is one Inch per gallon, so in 10 gallons there should be ideally 10 inches of fishes in total. You should consider as well the presence of plants and gravel and any other sort of things, which decrease the water volume of 5-10% (so 10 liters are actually 9-9.5). This rule does not consider modern filtration systems. Food containers can be used effectively as hospital temporary aquarium but not for normal ones.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
The Tang, Clownfish, and Chromis are marine fish requiring a saltwater aquarium while guppies are freshwater fish. These fish are not compatible as they require two completely different setups to accommodate their different environmental needs. If you are going to set up a marine aquarium - a 20 gallon aquarium is too small for the fish you have listed. A small Percula Clownfish maybe suitable in a 20 gallon aquarium temporarily, but be prepared to upgrade to a larger aquarium as it grows larger. In general, 50+ gallon aquariums are recommended to properly house marine fish as they tend to grow large and require plenty of room to swim. If you are planning to set up a freshwater aquarium, a 20 gallon setup is adequate to house guppies.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
A 2.5 gallon tank is fine for a Betta and 2 snails. If you have artificial plants, use ones made of silk instead of plastic which can harm delicate fins. You'll need a heater also. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F.
Updated on September 24th, 2025