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 pick the right aquarium plants, substrate, lighting, and fertilizers to ensure that your aquarium plants thrive and stay healthy.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Everything you need to know about how to start a fish tank. Learn about setting up an aquarium, choosing the right type, and acclimating new fish to your tank.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Wondering why you may need CO2 in your fish aquarium? Learn the basics from a Petco aquatics specialist.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for large marine fish, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Visit Petco to learn about cleanup crews and how they can help your aquarium health.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Check the water chemistry. Confirm ammonia and nitrite levels are 0.25ppm or less and nitrates are 40ppm or less. Use a liquid test kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a small fee. Partial water changes, about 30% can be done to decrease high levels. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. My preferences for water conditioning are AmQuel Plus and NovAqua in addition to StressCoat. Confirm water temperature between 78F and 80F. You can soak pellets in some garlic juice to stimulate his appetite.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
I'm sorry you are having difficulties with your aquarium. There are several issues that should be dealt with right now. They are water chemistry, aquarium size and choice/number of fish. Any new aquarium should be set up and, ideally, run empty for several weeks (usually 4-6 weeks). This is so beneficial bacteria have an opportunity to populate the substrate and filter. These bacteria are necessary to break down wastes that fish will produce. The technical phrase for this is "establishing the Nitrogen cycle". These bacteria will break down wastes into ammonia then nitrites then nitrates. Nitrates can then dissipate or be absorbed/used by live plants. In high enough concentrations, ammonia and nitrites are toxic and can kill fish. Cycling a tank with fish is possible but it increases the risk of loss. Water chemistry should be checked every few days using a liquid home test kit. A water sample can be submitted for testing , but is not as convenient as testing yourself. Most pet sto
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Here is a helpful link: https://www.aqueon.com/information/care-sheets/goldfish Your local aquarium store will likely carry a powdered product to add to the water to increase the pH. The package will have dosing instructions. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
The best and safest method is through daily partial water changes, about 30-40% of total tank volume. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Recommended water conditioners are AmQuel, NovAqua and StressCoat. These can be purchased online or in most pet stores or fish stores. A home test kit should be used to monitor levels. If a tank is properly cycled, beneficial bacteria will break down these toxins. Overfeeding, excessive light or heat and dead plants can cause spikes in ammonia and nitrite levels.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Hi, You will need to test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates now that there are fish in the new tank. If the biofilter is not well established in the new tank, then the abrupt presence of fish will cause an ammonia spike. You should do a partial water change, ensure proper aeration of the water. There are products you can get to boost the biofilter if this is in fact the issue. You should also consider the number of fish for the just meet of gallons in the tank as overcrowding may be a contributing factor. If you need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to request a consult. Good luck!
Updated on August 12th, 2025