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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 November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for soft coral, recommended care & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Search Petco to find out the harm of high nitrates in freshwater fish aquariums. We provide vital information to help keep your fish happy & healthy.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Is your fish coming to the tank surface to breathe? Find out why your fish may be staying at the top of the tank, if it's normal, and tips on how to ensure your pet is the healthiest it can be.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
To understand what is required to keep an aquarium environment healthy, you need to understand the nitrogen cycle, which is sometimes referred to as "biological filtration."
Updated on November 13th, 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 August 12th, 2025
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! As long as it is a good quality diet, these levels are usually kept to a minimum to the point that it is ok to eat it longterm. I recommend brands such as Royal Canin, Purina and Science Diet. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on August 12th, 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 August 12th, 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 August 12th, 2025
You mention that your water tests all zeros. Which parameters are you referring to ammonia and nitrite? If so, have you measured your nitrate level? Though not as toxic as ammonia or nitrite, nitrate is still harmful to fish especially in concentrated levels. Please test your nitrate levels and if your levels are higher that 40 ppm, perform a series of small water changes (10%) every other day to slowly lower your nitrate level to under 40 ppm.
Updated on August 12th, 2025