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Choosing the right substrate for your aquarium is important and provides an area for beneficial bacteria to grow which keeps your aquatic environment safe.
Updated on June 19th, 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
If you’re thinking of adding a betta fish to your family, learn a few fun facts about these underwater wonders.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
You may not take your betta fish for a walk, but this aquatic pet still needs daily activity. Petco shares how to encourage daily exercise and play into your betta fish's life.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
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
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ideally, no. It is better to use coarse small rocks instead of sand and in general it would be better to get them from the store where they come already clean and free of other organisms which may affect the environment of the tank. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Yes, this is fine for a Betta tank. You should still use a small filter as well as a small submersible heater to maintain water temp. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. If you choose to use tap water, use an appropriate water condition to remove harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
A 2.5 gallon tank is fine for a Betta and 2 snails. If you have artificial plants, use ones made of silk instead of plastic which can harm delicate fins. You'll need a heater also. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Mushu is very cute! Betta care is very easy. Ideally, a 5 gallon tank should be used to house your Betta. A smaller tank can be used, but the maintenance (water changes) will be much more frequent. A filter is always recommended otherwise water changes will be required every few days to maintain water quality. With a filter, 20% water changes can be done weekly or every two weeks. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Choices for conditioners include AmQuel Plus, NovAqua, StressCoat, Prime or StressZyme. A small submersible heater is necessary since Bettas are tropical fish. They do best in slow moving water between 78F and 80F. You can feed a pelleted diet such as Hikari Micro Pellets until he grows bigger. Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms and blackworms can also be fed. Feed one or twice daily. He should only need 2-3 pellets at each feeding. The conditioners and food can be found in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Please request a consultation to discuss care in greater depth or post another question in the Forum if necessary.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Most of the compatible fish are schooling fish that do best in groups of 4-8. This would include Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras or White Cloud Minnows. That many fish may be too much for a 3 gallon tank. Other non-fish option include Ghost Shrimp, Zebra Snails or African Dwarf Frogs.
Updated on September 24th, 2025