Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
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
Some fish species generally do well in smaller aquariums, are more adapted to aquarium life, & can be slightly more forgiving with water quality fluctuations.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn more about Killifish and their care to see if they are the right aquatic life to begin or add to your aquarium.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for angelfish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for Freshwater Shrimp, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Guppies or Neons are excellent "starter" fish. Care is simple and they are inexpensive. A standard 10 gallon tank is recommended to start. Most people don' t realize the amount of "work" needed to maintain a tank. Filter maintenance, monitoring water chemistry, water changes, monitoring fish health and providing a balanced diet are just a few items that need regular attention to keep a tank thriving. Even though fish aren't as cuddly as cats and dogs, they do have their own personalities and even respond to their owners, especially at feeding time! Studies have shown that simply watching fish in a tank can lead to a reduction in both heart rate and blood pressure. It is quite relaxing.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Our Standard Aquarium Plant Pack provides a convenient solution for your dilemma. This package includes Micro Sword or Dwarf Hairgrass, Anubias Nana or Anubias Barteri Round Leaf, Java Fern, Red Cryptocoryne or Green Cryptocoryne, Water Sprite, Hornwort, and Cabomba. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=768+2145+2146&pcatid=2146 A substrate specifically designed for live aquarium plants such as CaribSea Eco-Complete Plant Substrate is recommended for long-term success. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9087 Be sure to provide proper lighting conditions by employing aquarium light fixtures specifically designed for planted aquarium use.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Without an image, it will be difficult to definitively identify the fish in question. It may be a wild guppy. You can request a consultation which will allow you to share images. It is not recommended to add wild caught fish to an existing aquarium without an acceptable quarantine period.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Those could be copepods. They are typically harmless and difficult to completely eradicate. On the good side, they are a sign of a healthy tank and are useful in eating decaying matter in the aquarium. The brown algae can be due to insufficient lighting or lighting periods. You can wipe down the glass and plants, perform a partial water change and increase lighting. It can take weeks to month to resolve. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Confirm stable water chemistry and quality. Make sure the water temperature is correct as well. Too warm or too cold can cause stress. Look the Jack Dempsey over for signs of injury or infection. Ich, bacterial infection or fungal infection can cause the fish too twitch or shiver. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or Epsom salt) dissolved at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water is a great general tonic that can reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in any recover
Updated on August 12th, 2025
I'm sorry for the loss of your fish. If the tank was a "new" tank, it likely was not sufficiently cycled. The fish may have died after being exposed to high levels of ammonia or nitrites. A fish tank should be cycled for 4-6 weeks before fish are added. This allows time for beneficial bacteria to populate the filter and substrate. These bacteria are responsible for breaking down wastes (fish waste, decaying plants, uneaten food) to prevent a buildup of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. A tank can be cycled with fish, however this requires close monitoring of water chemistry and frequent partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Cycling with fish increases the risk of fish loss.
Updated on August 12th, 2025