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Tanks with live plants can be excellent additions to your home, bringing a touch of nature indoors. Learn how to take care of aquatic plants.
Updated on November 6th, 2025
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
Cotton wool disease is a common ailment that affects aquarium fish. Learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment solutions at Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Do you have questions about how to prevent fin rot? Visit Petco to get answers about the health of your aquarium.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to care for freshwater community fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
This may be a severe ich infection. It is an ectoparasite that can affect fish. You will need to treat the entire tank. You can use a commercial ich medication found in most pet stores. Follow label directions carefully. Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks before adding them to the main tank. Another option would be to gradually increase tank temp to 86 F and hold it there for 2 weeks. This will speed up the lifecycle of the parasite. Once all the spots have dropped off the fish, perform a partial water change, vacuum the substrate and sanitize any tank furniture. Afterwards, gradually decrease water temp back to normal for goldfish, between 65 F and 72 F. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water to aid in treatment and recovery. Since goldfish are cold water fish, this method may be stressful to them. Consider adding in a bubble wand or air stones to increase oxygenation during this time period.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out about Nemo and including photos. There is no evidence of Ich in the photos. Have you tested water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates? Correct problems. If having difficulty breathing (slow gill rate) add an air stone. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Anytime there is an unexpected loss of fish, water chemistry should be checked. Use a home test kit ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/api-freshwater-master-test-kit# ) or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Confirm an absence ( 0 ppm ) of ammonia and nitrites with a nitrate level of 20 ppm. pH can range between 6.5 and 8, water temp should be 65 F to 75 F. If chemistry and water quality are within normal parameters, then illness or aggression would be other reasons for the loss. It is always recommended to quarantine fish in a separate tank for 2-4 weeks prior to adding them to the main tank. During this time, they can be treating for infection or parasites. I am sorry for the loss of your fish.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It is difficult to determine since the image is not clear. Fish are very hard to photograph! If it does, then it is very early infection. Ideally, new fish should be quarantined for at least 2 week sin a separate tank to confirm good health prior to introducing them into the main tank. Monitor for worsening symptoms. If necessary, you can purchase an ich treatment and treat the tank. Look in the Aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hi, and thanks for your question. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
Updated on September 24th, 2025