Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Search Petco to learn about blackwater fish aquariums. We want to help you decide what lifestyle is best for your unique fish.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
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 October 29th, 2025
Learn how to make a self-sustaining aquarium. Visit Petco to learn all the steps to create the self-sustaining aquarium of your dreams!
Updated on October 29th, 2025

Read about Habitattitude and Petco's commitment to protect our environment. At Petco, animals always come first. Learn how you can help.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Habitattitiude⢠commits to environmental protection by not releasing unwanted fish into public areas.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
If you don't use municipal water, you can "age" water for 24-48 hours before use. A conditioner (StressCoat, NovAqua, etc) is still recommended to prevent stress. The water should be temperature matched as well. Room temperature water is too cold for Bettas. They do best between 78 F and 80 F.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
These cubes are typically placed in the filter or directly in the water flow. The filter should have a compartment that can be opened to remove filter media. Without knowing the brand of filter, more accurate advice cannot be given. The cubes begin to work immediately to reduce ammonia levels but they should not be used as a long term solution. Monitor water chemistry 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 partial water changes, no more than 30% at a time, to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. This would be recommended over using another method.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Water softeners leave very little salt residue in the treated water. Most, not all, fish *should* do fine in softened water. Make sure you get species that does better in soft water. Use a hardness kit and monitor KH. This parameter is what can affect pH. You can set aside a gallon or two and test it after it has aged for 24-48 hours to confirm it is safe to use. Check the softener unit for a bypass valve. Some units will have one or you can get one installed. Taps/faucets outside may not be in line with the softener, so you can use water from there if necessary.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Yes, tap water may contain chlorine or chloramine. Either can be toxic. Chlorine will dissipate if water is left out for 24-48 hours. This is called aging. Chloramines (used by many municipal water systems) will not dissipate and must be removed chemically with a water conditioner. StressCoat by API or NovAqua Plus by Kordon are both adequate conditioners. Look in the aquarium section of the local Petco or fish store for them.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Hermit crabs should have a bowl of fresh water and a bowl of salt water available at all times. "Softened" water is not recommended due to the higher mineral and salt content. The easiest solution is to use bottled water for the fresh water bowl and distilled water with plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) for the salt water bowl.
Updated on August 12th, 2025