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
Nature's Ocean Aquarium Water Care
Related Articles & Questions
- New Pet
Build Your Thriving Saltwater Tank: Easy Setup for Marine Life
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
- 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
Product GuidesActivated Carbon for Aquariums: Get Crystal Clear Water & Healthy Fish
What is activated carbon and should you add it to your aquarium filter? Learn about activated carbon's uses, maintenance, and how to add it to your filter.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
- Product Guides
Aquarium Filtration: Pick the Best Filter for a Thriving Tank
Discover the fish tank filter system that’s right for your aquarium. Learn about mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration at Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
High Nitrates in Saltwater Tanks? Protect Your Fish & Water Quality
Learn about nitrates in your saltwater aquarium. Find out what is safe for your fish and how to improve your aquarium’s nitrate levels.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
hello, i bought a fish tank last week ans followed all the instructions the lady gave me for example leave the water in there for 3 days before buying the fish, cleaning the decorations bought the liquid that promotes good bacteria ect. yesterday I b
The quick start liquid will add nitrifying bacteria but will not eliminate ammonia or nitrites. Both are harmful and can kill fish in high enough concentrations. You can use a home test kit to test the water or you can submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. There are chemical additives you can use to decrease levels. When adding water, use treated water or aged water. Ideally, the tank should be left empty for about 4 weeks to properly establish the nitrogen cycle before adding fish. At this point, you may lose the second fish regardless of treatment. Test the water, make adjustments, let the tank cycle and start fresh. Adding an airstone can increase oxygen levels.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
I have a 20 gallon tank. I'm thinking of buying +5 fish. Which fish could I buy and what would I need for the fish and tank?
A fish tank will need a filter, a light/hood and a heater. Make sure the filter is rated for at least twice the tank volume. The heater should be adjustable since water temperature will depend on the species of fish. Good "starter" fish include Tetras, Mollies, Danios or Tetras. A new tank should be set up and left running empty for several weeks before adding fish. A pinch of flake food can be sprinkled in daily. This "cycling" will allow a population of beneficial bacteria to colonize the tank and filter. These bacteria will break down wastes (ammonia, nitrites and nitrates) which are toxic to fish.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hello! Things didn’t go so well with cichlids and I only have one remaining which I moved to a different tank. The 45 is now empty and the others besides one blue African cichlid has died. I did water tests and most came out fine except the Carbonate
Water conditioning can be complicated and I recommend to stop by your local aquarium store. They are most often familiar with the local water quality and can give recommendations specific to your location. Some areas need buffering solutions to help control things like the water pH. Here are a few links which may help answer some of your questions about water condition: https://www.aqueon.com/articles/freshwater-aquarium-water-quality https://www.petcoach.co/article/aquarium-water-management-alkalinity-vs-water-hardness/ Before moving your goldfish, make sure all the conditions are appropriate for goldfish: https://www.aqueon.com/information/care-sheets/goldfish https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-help-your-new-goldfish-thrive/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
what is the best way to control the ph in a discus tank?
Thanks for reaching out. There are many products available in pet stores for either adjusting pH up or down. Adding a buffer as a substrate (dolomite) could help regulate also. Maintaining water quality is obviously very important. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I just got a fish from a friend and I don’t rlly know anything about that fish, it’s rlly small(about 4cm) and I want to know the breed of the fish and how to take care of it. Thanks you
Thanks for reaching out about you fish. It is believed to be a Comet goldfish. Water quality and nutrition is the key to success. Testing water parameter for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate will give you guidance for a healthy environment. Purchased food should be rotated out every 3 months as vitamin C and other nutrients degrade over time. Trying to maintain water temperature can be challenging with out a heater, but most fresh water fish tolerate some changes. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
