Pet Care Articles from PETCO

Fish - Aquarium Maintenance

Maintaining Peace in Your Tank
Here are the basic guidelines on how to keep the peace.

Wondering About Water Changes
Following these guidelines will keep your fish feeling fine. You should replace about 10 to 20 percent of the water in your aquarium every one to three weeks or so. For example, if you have a 50 gallon tank, you need to regularly remove and add back ...

pH Level
The measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water is called pH. You will need to check the water's pH level when you first set up your aquarium. There are several varieties of pH testing kits that can be used. The pH levels required for freshwater and ...

Water Hardness
The hardness of water is defined by the amount of dissolved mineral in the water. Hard water has high levels of dissolved minerals and is usually high in pH (pH above 7). Soft water has low levels of dissolved minerals and is usually low in pH (pH below ...

Eliminating Algae Buildup
Algae buildup in a tank ruins the effect a nicely landscaped and designed tank can have. Algae clouds the glass and gives the water a murky glow. Algae blooms take oxygen out of the water, creating a health hazard to your fish. Algae competes with your ...

Deadly Plants
Few plants sold for aquariums or fishponds are harmful to fish. However, many wild plants are poisonous or even fatal, so it is best to avoid picking your own plants to put into your pond or aquarium. As a general rule, purchase plants from a reputable ...

Overgrown Tank?
Here's how to tell if a fish has outgrown its tank, and what to do if it has.

Moving Your Aquarium
When you move your fish tank, you're affecting not only your fish's home, but your living space as well. While the logistical difficulty of the move will depend on such factors as the size of your tank and the distance of the move, any move is a stress ...

Water Quality
Like the air you breathe, the water in your fish tank must mimic the natural environment your fish are used to as closely as possible. But what exactly do fish need in the water to keep them healthy? And what must stay out of their water not only for ...

Salinity
Different rivers, oceans, and seas have different amounts of salt and, yes, even freshwater contains some salt. How much salt is dissolved in the water determines the salinity of a particular water sample. Essentially, there are three types of water: ...

pH Imbalances in Your Tank's Water
You don't need to understand the chemistry involved, but you should know the parameters affecting your finned friends. Most fish can adapt to life within a specific pH range. They'll tolerate gradual changes, but pushing the limits can cause illness. ...

Chlorine and Chloramine Toxicity
If you've ever inhaled a lungful of pollutants while driving behind a large truck or bus, then you can imagine life in an unhealthy aquarium. Water quality problems can cause disease and even death, so monitoring your tank's water is the most important ...

Nitrite Toxicity
A healthy aquatic environment is key to your fish's well-being.

Ammonia Toxicity
Maintaining the quality of the tank's water is key to controlling harmful bacteria.

Maintaining Your Aquarium
Once you've stocked your aquarium with plants and fish, a pinch of food is all it takes to keep your pets happy and healthy, right? Wrong! An aquarium requires daily maintenance to ensure your fish's home remains inhabitable. Here's what to do. Keep the ...