Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
Instant Ocean New Pet Essentials
Get It Today
Related Searches
Related Articles & Questions
- New Pet
Essential Large Marine Fish Care Guide: Tank Setup, Diet, & Tank Mates
Learn how to care for large marine fish, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on December 18th, 2025
- New Pet
Aquatic Pet Safety: Keep Your Home Aquarium Pets Healthy & Safe
Learn how to safely handle your aquatic life to avoid toxin & bacterial exposure. Find aquatic life care supplies at your neighborhood Petco pet care center.
Updated on December 18th, 2025
- Home & Habitat
Your First Fish Tank: Easy Setup Guide for a Thriving Aquarium
Everything you need to know about how to start a fish tank. Learn about setting up an aquarium, choosing the right type, and acclimating new fish to your tank.
Updated on December 18th, 2025
- New Pet
Build Your Thriving Saltwater Tank: Easy Setup for Marine Life
Learn how to set up a saltwater fish tank and key considerations regarding placement, supplies needed, and the overall set up process.
Updated on December 18th, 2025
- Home & Habitat
Your Guide to Healthy Freshwater Aquarium Plants & Thriving Fish
Learn how to pick the right aquarium plants, substrate, lighting, and fertilizers to ensure that your aquarium plants thrive and stay healthy.
Updated on December 18th, 2025
- Food & Nutrition
What fish and supplies are best for a beginner's small tank?
Without anything to use for scale, it is hard for me to tell how big your tank is, but in general it seems very small. Also, the water that is in the tank appears very cloudy right now, so that would be the first place to start. Water quality is very important, and will make or break your ability to house and care for fish. I would recommend getting a good filter system (you can visit a local pet store to assist you with brands in your area, as I am not familiar with what you can get in India). Be sure to bring the measurements (height, length, width) of your tank, or the gallons or liters so they can tell you what capacity of filter you will need. Everything else will depend on what types of fish you get - if you plan on getting multiple fish, they will need to be small - a general rule of thumb is one square inch of fish per gallon of water. Depending on the species you get, you may need to also get a bubbler to ensure there is enough oxygen in the water for them, and you will also
Updated on November 25th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
20-gallon tank setup: What fish and supplies do I need to get started?
A fish tank will need a filter, a light/hood and a heater. Make sure the filter is rated for at least twice the tank volume. The heater should be adjustable since water temperature will depend on the species of fish. Good "starter" fish include Tetras, Mollies, Danios or Tetras. A new tank should be set up and left running empty for several weeks before adding fish. A pinch of flake food can be sprinkled in daily. This "cycling" will allow a population of beneficial bacteria to colonize the tank and filter. These bacteria will break down wastes (ammonia, nitrites and nitrates) which are toxic to fish.
Updated on November 25th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Can I use cycled filter media for instant fish in a new tank?
Actually this is a good idea! I would however, make sure that the water temperature is the same as in the already running tank, so the good bacteria in the filter do not die. But , yes you can definitely do this without having to wait.
Updated on November 25th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Fish sick after vacation feeder, not eating, breathing fast. What now?
Check the water chemistry. Confirm ammonia and nitrite levels are 0.25ppm or less and nitrates are 40ppm or less. Use a liquid test kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a small fee. Partial water changes, about 30% can be done to decrease high levels. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. My preferences for water conditioning are AmQuel Plus and NovAqua in addition to StressCoat. Confirm water temperature between 78F and 80F. You can soak pellets in some garlic juice to stimulate his appetite.
Updated on November 25th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
My new fish died quickly after purchase. What are common reasons?
The most common cause of death of a newly acquired fish is usually shock or incorrect water quality. Fish tanks should be set up and left running without fish for at least 3-4 weeks to establish a proper nitrogen cycle. There are products that can shorten this time period. If this is not done, there may be high levels of ammonia, chloramine, nitrates and nitrites which can kill a fish. When introducing a fish, the bag should be floated in the tank for about 30 minutes to acclimate the fish to water temperature. This can prevent shock if the water is too hot or too cold. Test your water quality with a home test kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Correct any imbalances as indicated. Slowly acclimate any new fish as written above. You can request a consultation to discuss your concerns in greater detail if necessary. Buying fish and starting a tank can be quite confusing initially.
Updated on November 25th, 2025
