Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Get It Today
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
Although you may not realize it, aquaculture is something that touches our lives on a regular basis. Read more about what exactly aquaculture is, why it is important.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Visit Petco to learn about cleanup crews and how they can help your aquarium health.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Acclimation helps your aquatic life adjust to the new chemistry of your tank, thereby helping ensure the health of your new addition.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Shop Petco for low-maintenance aquarium decorations like the El Nino fern. We want to help decorate your aquarium to keep your fish happy and comfortable.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
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
The most common cause of death of a newly acquired fish is usually shock or incorrect water quality. Fish tanks should be set up and left running without fish for at least 3-4 weeks to establish a proper nitrogen cycle. There are products that can shorten this time period. If this is not done, there may be high levels of ammonia, chloramine, nitrates and nitrites which can kill a fish. When introducing a fish, the bag should be floated in the tank for about 30 minutes to acclimate the fish to water temperature. This can prevent shock if the water is too hot or too cold. Test your water quality with a home test kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Correct any imbalances as indicated. Slowly acclimate any new fish as written above. You can request a consultation to discuss your concerns in greater detail if necessary. Buying fish and starting a tank can be quite confusing initially.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Actually this is a good idea! I would however, make sure that the water temperature is the same as in the already running tank, so the good bacteria in the filter do not die. But , yes you can definitely do this without having to wait.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
##### 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
Thanks for reaching out about your aquarium and including photos. Did you test your water quality prior to the water change? Continue to test for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Pristine water quality is needed for health. Are any of the fish new, that could have introduced parasites? Itching/flashing can be due to water quality, external parasites, bacterial or viral infections and other causes. The white lesions on the photo could be fungal infections. A skin scrape and examination under the microscope (at a veterinarian's office) is needed for an attempt to determine a cause. Fungal infections are often secondary problems, so check water quality first. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025