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Small Marine Fish are favorites with marine aquarists and includes a wide range of species.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for brackish water fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for Rainbow fish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on December 21st, 2025
GloFish are brilliantly colored and beautiful fish. Learn how to care for GloFish, what to feed them, how long they live, their ideal tank size and more.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Dropsy, Swim Bladder Disorder & Popeye are common illnesses in aquarium fish. Learn more about spotting the signs and treatment of these diseases.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Check water quality using a home test kit if you have one. If not, bring a water sample to the local pet or fish store. Either may test water for free or for a nominal fee. Confirm 0 ppm (parts per million) ammonia and nitrites. Nitrates should be 40 ppm or less. Partial water changes using aged or conditioned water can be done to improve water quality. Many times poor water quality can lead to stress or infection. The symptoms described may point to swim bladder disease. This can be caused by infection, constipation, stress or parasites. The red rash may indicate infection. Fast your fish for 3 days then offer bits of cooked, shelled green peas until they are swimming and defecating normally. A product such as Maracyn or Kanaplex may treat infection. You can purchase either (or generic antibiotics such as tetracycline amoxicillin or erythromycin) in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated
Updated on September 24th, 2025
She seems quite emaciated and fin may be affected by bacterial infection. To approach this problem begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Check water chemistry first. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform a partial water change to stabilize water chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. By your description, the issue may be swim bladder disease. This can be caused by infection (bacterial or parasites) or constipation. Maintain water quality as described above. Fast the fish for 3 days then resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas. This will help with constipation. If this doesn't help. you can get a broad spectrum antibiotic from the local pet store. Look in the aquarium section. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hi Tori, I have found that fancy guppies are pretty, fun, and small fish that would do well in a small tank. Mollies would be another good choice. A 3 gallon could probably support 3 or 4 of them well. Beta fish don't seem to care much about snails in My experience. Have fun!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
I would recommend to change his water again and make sure you have a water conditioner that is not expired. I would also recommend to upgrade Smitty to a 3-5 gallon aquarium with a filtration system and a light. These tanks tend to create a healthier environment because the water is moving. You could add in live plants to provide a little extra oxygen. I hope Smitty starts feeling better!
Updated on September 24th, 2025