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Learn how to set up a saltwater fish tank and key considerations regarding placement, supplies needed, and the overall set up process.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for brackish water fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for Rasbora's, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for Rainbow fish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to take care of African Cichlids, recommended diet and tank setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Check water temperature and chemistry. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. Unless the room is very warm, a small heater is typically required. Without a filter, frequent water changes are necessary to prevent elevated levels of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. All can be toxic to fish at high levels. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used as a general tonic, to reduce stress, to treat minor infection and to aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Perform daily water changes, using aquarium salt for 10-14 days. If there is no improvement, consider a broad spectrum antibiotic. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. Follow label directions carefully.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
First, perform a partial water change, vacuum gravel thoroughly and wipe down any tank furniture. This is critical because clean water is the cornerstone for treatment and recovery. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Next, you can use any one of the commercial ich medications, such as Ich Guard (Tetra), Super Ick Cure (API) or Rid Ich Plus (Kordon). These can be found in the Aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully. This method will typically work with most fish. Another option would be to use plain aquarium salt ( NOT table or Epsom salt). Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. At the same time, gradually increase the water temp to about 86 F. Hold it there for 14 days. The warm temps will speed up the life cycle of the parasite and the salt will kill it. Afterwards, gradually reduce water temp and perform another partial water ch
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Check the water chemistry. This is done using a liquid home test kit or by submitting a sample for testing. Most pet or fish stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm and nitrates can be 40ppm or less. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Try soaking food in garlic juice to stimulate the appetite. A 2-3 day fast followed by hand feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas or spirulina may also promote regularity.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
The tiny spots could be a parasite infection. Ich presents as small dots similar to grains of salt. It will quickly overrun a tank and can kill fish if left untreated. You will need to treat the entire tank as opposed to just affected fish. A broad spectrum parasite medication that covers ich can be purchased at the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Hi, and thanks for your question. Ich can only be killed in its free swimming stage. After it feeds off the fish, it drops into the substrate where it forms cysts and multiplies. Then the new ich parasites swim out of the gravel and find new fish hosts and start the cycle all over again. That is why it is important after all white spots have disappeared to continue treatment, you should continue treating for an additional 2 weeks after all symptoms are gone. After the spots disappear off the fish, I would vacuum the gravel to suck up any cysts. If you increase the temperature the life cycle of the ich becomes faster.
Updated on August 12th, 2025