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Learn how to care for a Discus, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find Discus for sale, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for Goldfish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for a betta fish, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to safely handle your aquatic life to avoid toxin & bacterial exposure. Find aquatic life care supplies at your neighborhood Petco pet care center.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for aquatic turtles available at Petco. Care Sheets provide you with essential info on how to best take care of these interesting pets.
Updated on July 26th, 2026
A fish tank will need a filter, a light/hood and a heater. Make sure the filter is rated for at least twice the tank volume. The heater should be adjustable since water temperature will depend on the species of fish. Good "starter" fish include Tetras, Mollies, Danios or Tetras. A new tank should be set up and left running empty for several weeks before adding fish. A pinch of flake food can be sprinkled in daily. This "cycling" will allow a population of beneficial bacteria to colonize the tank and filter. These bacteria will break down wastes (ammonia, nitrites and nitrates) which are toxic to fish.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
If he is the smaller or smallest fish, he may be getting harassed by the others. A 20 gallon is not ideal for that many fish. Confirm stable chemistry, especially ammonia and nitrites. High nitrates aren't as worrisome unless there are large swings in nitrate levels. Check the water temp as well. Low temps can affect activity and appetite. If possible, move the Pike Cichlid to a different tank or move everybody to a larger tank. A 55 gallon would be the minimum since some of your fish will grow quite large. Those Plecos can reach 24 inches in the right tank. Eventually, you will need a much larger tank.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Check the water chemistry. This is done using a liquid home test kit or by submitting a sample for testing. Most pet or fish stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm and nitrates can be 40ppm or less. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Try soaking food in garlic juice to stimulate the appetite. A 2-3 day fast followed by hand feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas or spirulina may also promote regularity.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hello, I recommend checking water quality parameters first for any fish displaying abnormal behavior. For starters, I'd recommend keeping your fish in a larger tank as it is much easier to keep the water clean over time. This website is a good reference for basic betta fish care: https://bettafish.org/care/ I hope this helps. Thanks for using PetCoach.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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