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Freshwater Aquarium Plant Maintenance Guide

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

Fish Gasping for Air? Top Reasons & How to Save Your Pet Fast

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 January 8th, 2026

To Go Bucket: Aquatic Life and Cricket Guide

Updated on March 4th, 2026

Marine Aquarium Clean Up Crew: Complete Guide

Visit Petco to learn about cleanup crews and how they can help your aquarium health.

Updated on June 19th, 2026

Freshwater Semi-Aggressive Fish: Top Secrets for a Thriving Tank

Learn how to care for semi-aggressive fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.

Updated on April 9th, 2026

What are the best medicines for fish parasites, bacteria, or fungus?

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

Why are my fish dying with grey spots? How do I treat their illness?

Check the water chemistry. The discoloration could be due to elevated ammonia levels which can cause "burns". 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 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. The Neons (blue fish) appear to be infected with Ich, a parasite. Treatment is possible with commercial products found in the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully. You will need to treat the entire tank until all traces are gone. Removing a lump from your fish on your own is never recommended. You can cause severe injury. Most broad spectrum antibiotics (Kanaplex, Maracyn, Maracyn 2, etc.) found in the aquarium section of the local Petco should help treat or prevent infection. Choose one and follow label directions. Remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes to aid in recovery. You can feed frozen worms, just thaw then first in a small cup then place them in the tank.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

What fish tank sizes are included in Petco's $1 per Gallon Sale?

##### What are the dimensions of tanks in the $1 per Gallon Sale? [Here](https://www.petcoach.co/question/?id=411222) are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions: - What are the dimensions of my new tank? - What kind of hood will fit my new tank? - What kinds of stands will work with my new tank? - What kind of lighting is recommended for my new tank? **Aqueon10G**, **Marineland10G** - Product Dimensions: 20 x10 x12 - Compatible HOODS: Aqueon 20" Deluxe Full Hood - Compatible STANDS: the Brooklyn 10G, Aquatic Fundamentals Silver Vein Scroll 21x11 - Compatible LIGHTING: Aqueon 20" Deluxe Full Hood **Aqueon20 High**, **Marineland20 High** - Product Dimensions: 24x12 x16 - Compatible HOODS: AGA 24"BK VERSATOP GLASS - Compatible STANDS: Newport 20G - Compatible LIGHTING: Aqueon 24" fluorescent strip light or 24" LED light fixture (online only), Fluval Ultra Bright LED Aquarium Strip Light (online only) **Aqueon20 Long**, **Marineland20 Long** - Product Dimentions: 30 x12 x12 - Compatible HOODS: AGA-30"BK VERSATOP - Compatible STANDS: Brooklyn 29G, Winston 29G - Compatible LIGHTING: Aqueon 30" fluorescent strip light or 30" LED light fixture (online only) **Aqueon29G**, **Marineland29G** - Product Dimensions: 30 x12 x18 - Compatible HOODS: 30" BK versatop glass, Aqueon 20" Deluxe Full Hood - Compatible STANDS: Brooklyn 29G, Winston 29G - Compatible LIGHTING: Aqueon 30" fluorescent strip light or 30" LED light fixture (online only) **Aqueon40B**, **Marineland40B** - Product Dimensions: 36 x18x16 - Compatible HOODS: 36X18X16 BLK VRSATOP - Compatible STANDS: Aquatic Fundamentals Upright 50G 37x19 - Compatible LIGHTING: Aqueon 36" fluorescent strip light or 36" LED light fixture (online only) **Aqueon55G**, **Marineland55G** - 48x13x20 - HOODS: 2 of the 24 inch - STANDS: Brooklyn 55G - LIGHTING: Aqueon 48" fluorescent strip light or 48" LED light fixture (online only) *in-store only (We do not ship paned glass)

Updated on September 24th, 2025

How to save my sick freshwater fish after an ammonia spike?

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

Why is my fish sick, not eating, gasping, and darting in its tank?

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 September 24th, 2025