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Visit Petco to learn about cleanup crews and how they can help your aquarium health.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for hard coral, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Wondering why you may need CO2 in your fish aquarium? Learn the basics from a Petco aquatics specialist.
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
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
Check water chemistry first. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence ( 0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes, no more than 30% at a time, to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Check water temp as well. Any of these can drive a fish to the surface. The "flashing" (darting about) can be due to infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites). Consider a broad spectrum antibiotic or an "all in one" product to treat multiple infections. Look in the Aquarium section of the local Petco for options. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hi there! Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This is the same question I asked myself a few years ago when I started with my first saltwater aquarium. It really depends on a lot of factors. Consider that it requires a significant amount of time and money commitment if you want to do it the right way. It is really time consuming though extremely rewarding. Water quality and equilibrium of the tank are key and ensuring both requires using the right equipment and constantly testing the water and adjusting things as needed. I would consider reading a lot about it before commiting any money to it. I personally love it but it really is a second job I have every Saturday morning just to take care of my tank. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thank you for using Boop by Petco! Ariel does look like she has a little bit of white on her abdomen, and potentially some raised scales. She also appears to be swimming towards the bottom of the tank, but this may just be a coincidence in the photo. The white on the abdomen can be caused by a fungal or parasitic infection, so I recommend separating this fish from the others. You may want to change the water and sanitize the tank if any other fish start to get similar symptoms. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out. the ride home should not be too difficult but when introducing to the tank, equilibrate water temperatures first by placing the bag in the tank for 15-20 minutes. Then pour out 1/2 of bag water in the sink, then add that volume of tank water to the bag. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes. The scoop out fish and add to tank. Don't pour bag water into tank and if parasites in water, will add more of them to tank. Finish cycling tank prior to getting fish. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Check the water chemistry. The discoloration could be due to elevated ammonia levels which can cause "burns". Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. The Neons (blue fish) appear to be infected with Ich, a parasite. Treatment is possible with commercial products found in the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully. You will need to treat the entire tank until all traces are gone. Removing a lump from your fish on your own is never recommended. You can cause severe injury. Most broad spectrum antibiotics (Kanaplex, Maracyn, Maracyn 2, etc.) found in the aquarium section of the local Petco should help treat or prevent infection. Choose one and follow label d
Updated on September 24th, 2025