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Setting up a freshwater fish aquarium can bring a serene nature scene into your home. Maintaining your live fish habitat is often a rewarding form of pet care that allows you to personalize your fish’s environment to suit your tastes and their needs.
If you’re a new aquarist, consider what size aquarium you want and what types of plants and décor you would like to include. This can help determine which fish you choose and how many. Or, if you have particular freshwater fish pets in mind, be sure the aquarium and accessories you choose are right for them.
Petco fish come in many colors and kinds—from slender rainbow sharks to showy neon guppies. When looking at live freshwater fish for sale, it’s very important to note their social needs and temperaments. You want to help create a peaceful environment, and some fish will get along better than others. Different fish breeds usually prefer different parts of the aquarium, too, so find the right types of fish at Petco for a balanced community.
Compatibility is about more than personality when it comes to live fish. Freshwater and marine fish obviously cannot live in the same habitat, but not all freshwater fish thrive together either. Your freshwater fish pets who share an aquarium should all require similar elements like water temperature, pH balance, live plants and décor and food types. This ensures that they are each in an environment that is well-suited for them.
Petco freshwater fish range in characteristics across social type, swimming areas, diet, level of care and water preferences. Some options include:
Freshwater fish pets eat a variety of diets, depending on their species. Freshwater fish food is often in flake form, but pellets and tablets can also great options for some. Freeze-dried foods such as Hikari shrimp, blood worms and tubifex worms can help provide needed protein and minerals for some freshwater fish while sinking pellets are often suitable for bottom-dwellers. Many Petco fish food options are formulated to help enhance your fish’s natural vibrant hues.
Learn how to take care of Catfish, recommended diet and tank setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Search Petco to learn about blackwater fish aquariums. We want to help you decide what lifestyle is best for your unique fish.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for Freshwater Amphibians, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for a Damselfish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find Damselfish for sale, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Looking to learn about low- to medium-light aquarium plants? Petco has the information you need! View our guide to low- to medium-light aquarium plants today.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
I would recommend to call the local pet stores (including Petco) and ask if they ever carry that species. Sometimes the fish can be out of stock. Some of the smaller fish stores can have a good variety of fish available. Best of luck!
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Before you buy any fish, you will need to set up the tank. A basic set up includes: a tank, filter, hood/light, heater, gravel and some decor. The tank should run without fish for at least 4 to 6 weeks. This gives it time to cycle. The Nitrogen Cycle is critical to the health of the tank and any fish you will be keeping. During this time, beneficial bacterial will populate the filter and substrate (gravel). These bacteria will be responsible for breaking down fish wastes and other wastes (uneaten food, dead plants, etc.). You will need a home test kit to monitor water chemistry (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH) or you will have to submit water samples for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. At first, you will see high levels of ammonia and nitrites. Over time, as bacteria grow, these levels will drop. When ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm and nitrates are below 20 ppm, you can consider adding fish. Regular (every 1 or 2 weeks) partial water changes as we
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Monitor water chemistry using 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. Pristine water quality is the foundation for healing and recovery from infection or injury in fish. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 14 days then reassess the condition. An "all in one" product, such as Lifeguard (by Tetra), can be used concurrently to treat infection or parasites. Find one in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Check the water chemistry. Confirm ammonia and nitrite levels are 0.25ppm or less and nitrates are 40ppm or less. Use a liquid test kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a small fee. Partial water changes, about 30% can be done to decrease high levels. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. My preferences for water conditioning are AmQuel Plus and NovAqua in addition to StressCoat. Confirm water temperature between 78F and 80F. You can soak pellets in some garlic juice to stimulate his appetite.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Check the water chemistry and quality first. Poor quality can predispose him to infection. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Your local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. If ammonia and/or nitrite levels are elevated, perform partial water changes until both read 0 ppm and nitrates are 20 ppm or less. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Providing pristine water quality is the foundation for treatment and healing. Check the water temperature since low temps can affect appetite and activity in fish. If the water is too warm, it can also affect activity since warm water does not hold as much oxygen as cooler waters. Fast the fish for 2-3 days then feed tiny bits of cooked and shelled green peas. This will aid in defecation if there is constipation. Plain aquarium salt (not table salt or Epsom salt) can be used for most fish as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor in
Updated on August 12th, 2025