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Related Articles & Questions
- Care Sheets
Mastering Koi Care: Optimal Tank, Food, Water Quality & Health Tips
Learn how to care for a Koi, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find Koi for sale, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
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Freshwater Aquarium Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
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
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Aquarium Water Quality: Master Healthy Fish & Crystal Clear Tanks
Learn how to test your aquarium water. Poor water quality stresses fish, which leaves them susceptible to disease and possibly death.
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Marine Shrimp Care for Beginners: Tank Setup, Food, & Compatibility
Learn how to care for Marine Shrimp, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
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Mastering Marine Eel Care: Tank Setup, Diet, & Compatibility
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- Vet Q & A
First fish tank: What Tetras and supplies for my 12-inch tank?
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 well as filter changes will be needed to maintain stable water chemistry and adequate water quality. The size of your tank will determine what fish and how many you will be able to keep. Most Tetras do best in groups, so a 12 inch tank may not be large enough. There are several article in the Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach Library that will provide more detailed information. Click on "Educational Center" at the top of the page, then scroll down to "Articles" and click. Use the Search Bar to find articles regarding aquarium set up and fish keeping.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
Is a 1-foot marine tank big enough for fish? What can I put in it?
It is very difficult to get a good biotope in a just 1 foot long tank unless it is a few feet high. You will not be able to keep fish in it, only invertebrates, maybe a few shrimp or sea anemones. It is much harder to keep the water healthy in a small tank,and the appliances needed for running a salt water aquarium cost pretty much the same (if available) as appliances for a larger tank. I suggest you join a club of salt water aquarists who will be able to start you off perfectly. Your local fish/pet shop should be able to point you to a club.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Food & Nutrition
My new Glofish are hiding and staying at the bottom. Is this normal?
Thanks for your question about your fish, and congratulations on your new family members! I didn't see how recently the tank was set up, but there are a couple of things that could be going on. I would start by checking your water quality - any abnormalities in water quality can make fish have abnormal behaviors, and the water looks a bit murky in the photos you provided. There may be parameters that need to be addressed depending on what you find. If you do not have a water quality kit, they can be purchased at the pet store or an aquarium store, or you can take a sample of your water in for evaluation to these places as well. Some will charge a small fee for this service, just so you are prepared. Also, with recent tank set ups, it can be stressful for fish as they are in a new habitat. I would recommend keeping the light on for only a few hours per day to start, as the bright lights can be shocking for them (since fish don't have eyelids). Gradually you can increase the length of time that the lights are on so that you reach a cycle of 10-12 hours of light and 12-14 hours of darkness for them. I hope this gives you a place to start, and I wish you and your mom the best with the new pets!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
My fish died. How do I make my aquarium water safe for new fish?
I would recommend to have the water completely changed. New water should be ideally submitted 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 as well. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. 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
- Vet Q & A
My cichlid tank has algae, bugs, and sick fish. What's wrong?
Those could be copepods. They are typically harmless and difficult to completely eradicate. On the good side, they are a sign of a healthy tank and are useful in eating decaying matter in the aquarium. The brown algae can be due to insufficient lighting or lighting periods. You can wipe down the glass and plants, perform a partial water change and increase lighting. It can take weeks to month to resolve. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Confirm stable water chemistry and quality. Make sure the water temperature is correct as well. Too warm or too cold can cause stress. Look the Jack Dempsey over for signs of injury or infection. Ich, bacterial infection or fungal infection can cause the fish too twitch or shiver. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or Epsom salt) dissolved at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water is a great general tonic that can reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in any recovery. The eels should be fine, but the snails should be moved temporarily. You can relocate both to a separate tank to be completely safe. Treat the tank for 10-14 days then reassess the condition of the fish. Perform a partial water change afterwards to reduce salinity before you returns the eels and snails to the tank.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
