Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
Tetra Fish Health & Wellness
Related Articles & Questions
- New Pet
Aquarium Water Quality: Master Healthy Fish & Crystal Clear Tanks
Learn how to test your aquarium water. Poor water quality stresses fish, which leaves them susceptible to disease and possibly death.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
- New Pet
Master Aquatic Plant Care: Lush Aquarium Plants & Happy Fish
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 13th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Stressed Fish? How to Identify Causes & Calm Your Aquarium Pets
Learn how to spot the signs of a stressed fish and what you can do to calm them and and restore a peaceful, stress-free atmosphere for your aquarium inhabitants.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
- New Pet
Freshwater Community Fish: Care, Setup & Compatibility Guide
Learn how to care for freshwater community fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
- Food & Nutrition
Don't Overfeed Your Fish! Tips for a Healthy Aquarium & Happy Fish
Overfeeding is the major cause of fish loss and can result in lethal changes in the water chemistry. Try to incorporate the following tips to prevent overfeeding.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hi . Sorry for the trouble again a few hours earlier I came with the Sam question. But now I seek a adviceLastweek I had one pair of glowlite tetras one black neon Tetra and 3 rosy but now I am left with only 1 rosy rest all have died (out of which
It is no trouble at all. It is why we are here! The first thing to check would be water chemistry. This can be done using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with a nitrate level of 20 ppm or less. Perform a partial water change, no more than 30% total volume, daily to stabilize or improve water chemistry. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. The species of fish you have do best in the mid to high 70s F up to about 82 F. If you have a newly set up tank, it may not have cycled properly or adequately. This would have led to toxic levels of ammonia which likely killed your fish. A tank needs to run, without fish ideally, for 4-6 weeks to establish a Nitrogen Cycle. This time period allows beneficial populations of bacteria to colonize the substrate and filter media. These bacteria are responsible for breaking down ammo
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Last Monday, I got 3 bleeding heart tetras. All seemed well. When I checked on the fish last evening, I noticed 1 of the bleeding heart tetras was missing her tail. I know she does not have fin rot, as her other fins look healthy. It didn't look
Keep her separated and maintain pristine water quality to aid in recovery. You can add some StressCoat and 1 teaspoon of plain aquarium salt (not table or Epsom salt) per gallon of water. Treat with salt for 14 days maximum then reassess fin condition. Once she has healed, return her to the tank. Try to keep them in groups of 4 or more.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hi I'm really scared because I went to my boyfriends parents house and I left my sister to look after my 7 Fish and she sent me a photo and I saw (HEAPS) of food layers on the to and I had to cut my holiday short my 11 days and I get back to sad babi
Check the water chemistry to rule out elevated ammonia or nitrite levels. You can do this using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Perform partial water changes (no more than 30% total volume at a time) to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. If all 7 fish are goldfish, a large tank is strongly recommended. The general rule is 20 gallons for the first fish and 10 additional gallons per extra fish. This is due to the goldfish producing a larger than average bio load (wastes) which can quickly overwhelm a small tank. Check the water temperature as well. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F (18.3 C) and 72 F (22.2 C). The use of antibiotics or other medications would not be recommended in the absence of symptoms of illness or infection. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hello, good afternoon! I was curious as to how to keep a healthy, happy pleco? I just received a baby albino pleco, we got algae wafers, as well as the other algae that grows in the tank, I have a couple questions, how do I tell I’m feeding him enoug
Thanks for reaching out. The most important thing you can do is maintain optimal water quality, and this means getting a test kit and testing frequently. Diet is important, and all fish have a dietary requirement for vitamin C. Vitamin C is not stable in fish food for more that a few months, so write the date of purchase on the can of food, and discard after 3 months. It is also recommended to alternate brands of food, as they are all slightly different. Since they have an exoskeleton, the only easy way to measure body score is around the belly. If concave, too thin. Determining illness is tough, so visualizing eating and activity, and comparing it to the past. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
One of my fish has open sore on both sides of the skin. Apparently some of the other fish has bitten him and now some of his skin is bulging on both sides and it’s in a 70 gallon tank with other fish, and I don’t know what to do.. can someone help me
It needs to be separated into a hospital tank by itself so it can be treated and heal. If you leave it in the main tank, the others will continue to pick and nip until it dies. Maintain pristine water quality and chemistry during treatment. You can use a broad spectrum antibiotic for 10-14 days to treat infection. You can find one, such as Maracyn 1 or 2, Kanaplex or Furan, in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
