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Learn how to care for a Ball Python, 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 brackish water fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Some fish species generally do well in smaller aquariums, are more adapted to aquarium life, & can be slightly more forgiving with water quality fluctuations.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Everything you need to know about how to start a fish tank. Learn about setting up an aquarium, choosing the right type, and acclimating new fish to your tank.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn how to care for Barbs fish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find Barbs for sale, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 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
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
I would recommend to have the water completely changed. New water should be ideally submitted for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for that as well. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
He may have internal parasites. maintain pristine water quality and confirm stable water chemistry. This can be done by using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Perform a partial water change, no more than 30% total volume at a time, if indicated. use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Check the water temperature as well, since low temps can affect activity, appetite and digestion in fish. Anywhere between 72 F and 80 F is acceptable. Keeping it at the higher end may aid in digestion and defecation. Consider a broad spectrum parasite medication. You can find one in the Aquarium section at the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Snakes typically do not need supplements or extra vitamins. If she is looking dull it is most likely because she is getting ready to shed. Another possibility is improper cage lighting. Do you have a full spectrum lamp on her cage? That helps bring out their coloration. I would recommend coconut husk for a substrate to help hold the moisture in the cage so humidity levels will be adequate. Here is a full care sheet that may answer more of your questions. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Snakes/Green-Tree-Python/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Updated on August 12th, 2025