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Learn how to safely handle your aquatic life to avoid toxin & bacterial exposure. Find aquatic life care supplies at your neighborhood Petco pet care center.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Discover how to hardscape your aquarium here at Petco. Visit Petco and check out aquarium hardscape ideas, solutions and much more for your fish.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Before establishing an aquarium at home, learn more about the basics of fish care.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to use aquarium salt in freshwater aquariums to promote healthy gill functions, reduce stress, and treat infections in fish.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Shop Petco for low-maintenance aquarium decorations like the El Nino fern. We want to help decorate your aquarium to keep your fish happy and comfortable.
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
If it is on the glass, remove enough water to drop levels below the lotion and wipe with paper towels until clean. Avoid soaps or cleaners which can cause more harm to your fish than the lotion. Replace water with aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Use a fresh carbon filter insert to remove any residual lotion or chemicals. If the lotion is on tank furniture, remove and wash with a mild soap then rinse very well before returning it to the tank.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out. Did you use tap water and dechlorinate prior to the water changed? The dechlorinating solutions do not work immediately can take several hours to lower levels of chlorine and chloramines (typically in tap water). Did you match water temperatures? Temperature shock of even a few degrees can lead to death or depressed immune system. A veterinary visit is recommended for the pleco to assess health and recommend treatments. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Check the water chemistry. The discoloration could be due to elevated ammonia levels which can cause "burns". Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. The Neons (blue fish) appear to be infected with Ich, a parasite. Treatment is possible with commercial products found in the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully. You will need to treat the entire tank until all traces are gone. Removing a lump from your fish on your own is never recommended. You can cause severe injury. Most broad spectrum antibiotics (Kanaplex, Maracyn, Maracyn 2, etc.) found in the aquarium section of the local Petco should help treat or prevent infection. Choose one and follow label d
Updated on August 12th, 2025
These catfish, and most fish, should not be handled frequently if at all. They have barbs, for self defense, that can injure you. If you must handle them, wear gloves and gently scoop them up from underneath. There may be some concerns keeping all these species together in one tank. Arowanas get very big and require large tanks. They can also be quite aggressive and may go after the Discus and Angels. The catfish, being a bottom dweller, may be safe. Another issue may be water hardness. Discus and Angels come from soft, acid water while Raphaels prefer hard water. Also, the Aro, Discus may do better in warmer water than the Angels and Raphael. These are all impressive fish and a joy to keep, but you consider the natural environment of each species before placing them all in the same tank.
Updated on August 12th, 2025