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Learn how to set up a saltwater fish tank and key considerations regarding placement, supplies needed, and the overall set up process.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for freshwater community fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025

What is activated carbon and should you add it to your aquarium filter? Learn about activated carbon's uses, maintenance, and how to add it to your filter.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Discover the fish tank filter system that’s right for your aquarium. Learn about mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration at Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn about nitrates in your saltwater aquarium. Find out what is safe for your fish and how to improve your aquarium’s nitrate levels.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
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 September 24th, 2025
Water conditioning can be complicated and I recommend to stop by your local aquarium store. They are most often familiar with the local water quality and can give recommendations specific to your location. Some areas need buffering solutions to help control things like the water pH. Here are a few links which may help answer some of your questions about water condition: https://www.aqueon.com/articles/freshwater-aquarium-water-quality https://www.petcoach.co/article/aquarium-water-management-alkalinity-vs-water-hardness/ Before moving your goldfish, make sure all the conditions are appropriate for goldfish: https://www.aqueon.com/information/care-sheets/goldfish https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-help-your-new-goldfish-thrive/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out. There are many products available in pet stores for either adjusting pH up or down. Adding a buffer as a substrate (dolomite) could help regulate also. Maintaining water quality is obviously very important. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out about you fish. It is believed to be a Comet goldfish. Water quality and nutrition is the key to success. Testing water parameter for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate will give you guidance for a healthy environment. Purchased food should be rotated out every 3 months as vitamin C and other nutrients degrade over time. Trying to maintain water temperature can be challenging with out a heater, but most fresh water fish tolerate some changes. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Pimafix is an acceptable "natural" antifungal treatment. Melafix is for bacterial infections. Kanamycin, erythromycin or metronidazole are good broad spectrum antibiotics. Fungus Cure (by API) is an excellent antifungal. You can find these medications in the aquarium section of most pet stores or even online. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. The cornerstone of any treatment is to first maintain pristine water quality and stable chemistry.
Updated on September 24th, 2025