Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Get It Today
Our top ten most important tips for removing and keeping algae out of your aquarium.
Updated on November 13th, 2025

Small, AKA “Nano” tanks have grown in popularity over the past couple years and continue to gain momentum. Find out if a mini aquarium is right for you.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Do you have questions about brown algae (diatom)? Visit Petco and learn the causes, how to get rid of & how to prevent it.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
We can help you navigate your way through all the types of lights in fish tanks and determine which type is best for your aquarium.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Habitattitiude™ commits to environmental protection by not releasing unwanted fish into public areas.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
If you are getting hard water deposits, use a utility razor and gently scrape the deposit off the glass. When you're doing a water change, if the water level drops below the deposits, use a cloth dampened with plain vinegar and scrub. Be careful to not allow any vinegar into the water. Wipe it well with a clean cloth to remove any vinegar residue and refill. Ideally, the tank should be emptied, sprayed with vinegar, sit for 10-20 minutes then scrubbed or scraped.
Updated on August 12th, 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
You can angle it so water flow is directed against the side of the tank. Another option would be to make, or buy, a spray bar. This will significantly decrease water flow. A good old fashioned sponge filter set up can also be used. Lastly, you can opt for no filter. You'll need to monitor chemistry closely and perform more frequent water changes though. The websites below are excellent resources for additional information. https://www.caudata.org https://www.axolotl.org
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out about Corn and including photos. This could be mineral deposits but is difficult to tell in the photos. Mold usually does not grow below the water level as needs oxygen. Clean the filter well. A sample of the material can be acquired and a veterinarian might be able to help by examining under the microscope. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out about Fish. Test and correct water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. If all fish are affected, water quality problems the most likely. Alteration can lead to increased mucous production from the skin (white stuff), but fungal dermatitis or parasites are also possible. A veterinary visit is recommended if the water quality if appropriate, to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025