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Learn how to pick the right aquarium plants, substrate, lighting, and fertilizers to ensure that your aquarium plants thrive and stay healthy.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Feeding your freshwater fish isn't as simple as adding a pinch of flakes! Read these three tips to learn more about how to provide your pets the nutrition and environment they need.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Habitattitiude™ commits to environmental protection by not releasing unwanted fish into public areas.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to set up a freshwater fish tank and key considerations regarding placement, supplies needed, and the set up process.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Discover how to hardscape your aquarium here at Petco. Visit Petco and check out aquarium hardscape ideas, solutions and much more for your fish.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Monitor water chemistry using 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 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Pristine water quality is the foundation for healing and recovery from infection or injury in fish. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 14 days then reassess the condition. An "all in one" product, such as Lifeguard (by Tetra), can be used concurrently to treat infection or parasites. Find one in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It is possible the tank has not cycled properly which results in high ammonia and nitrite levels which can kill fish. Allow the tank to run, without fish, for at least 4-6 weeks. During this time, use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing every few days. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. What you are looking for is to have ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm and nitrates at 20ppm or less. pH can hover around 7 for most community fish. Avoid large, rapid swings in pH though. What is happening in the tank during this time is that beneficial bacteria are populating the gravel/substrate and the filter. These bacterial populations are responsible for the Nitrogen Cycle. This cycle breaks down wastes from fish, uneaten food and plant matter into by-products that are filtered out or dissipate. You can "cycle" a tank with fish, however this increases the risk of loss. Once your tank has cycled, you can add fish. You will still need to monitor water chemistry and perform partial water changes regularly. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. You will also need to vacuum the gravel regularly and rinse the filter media. Never use tap water to rinse. Use a bit of tank water to protect bacterial populations in the sponge.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
The bowl looks definitively a bit small for the two fishes. To understand exactly what is going on you need to approach this problem radically but logically. 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
Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for that. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, Cosmo should examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Check water chemistry and filtration. Sunny may have developed a bacterial or fungal infection due to the switch in environment. Clean water is crucial to resolving infection. Perform regular partial water changes. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Maintain water temperature between 75 F and 72 F. Minor infection maybe resolved using plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt). Salt is a great general tonic. It reduces stress, improves gill function and aids in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat until symptoms resolve. When performing water changes, use just enough salt to treat the water being replaced, not the entire tank volume. If necessary, you can use a broad spectrum medication if symptoms persist. Look in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store for products such as Kanaplex, Maracyn or Lifeguard by Tetra. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated.
Updated on September 24th, 2025