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Sera Aquarium Protein Skimmers
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- Vet Q & A
What's the best way to attach a skimmer to my aquarium filter?
Most protein skimmers simply attach to the intake of the filter. There should be installation instructions with the unit, but if not, you can use your preferred search engine to research "protein skimmer installation". Sites such as YouTube will also have videos showing the process.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
How to clean a fish tank effectively? Should I remove my fish?
Hello, and thank you for using PetCoach. The most common (and easiest) way to clean a fish tank is with a siphon-style cleaner. Fish tanks should be cleaned in stages, generally replacing 10-15% of the water at a time. There are times where a larger cleaning might be necessary, but removing the fish and changing too much of the water at once can be quite a shock and can be dangerous to the fish, so this should be saved for only extenuating circumstances. Here's a helpful video on using a siphon cleaner: http://video.petco.com/v/18852/how-to-clean-your-aquarium-with-the-aqueon-siphon-vacuum-/ And some more reading you may find interesting on general fish tank cleaning and maintenance: http://www.firsttankguide.net/waterchange.php Hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
My fish are gulping at the surface. What should I do to help them?
Check the temperature and make sure the water is not too hot (heater defective?), check the pH and also the hardness and make sure they are within the parameters needed for your fish. Change 1/3 of the tank's water. Check the filter and make sure it is not plugged up with a lot of food and poop. Rinse the filter in warm water (same temperature as the water in the tank) so you do not kill off the good bacteria which keep the water clean. Check Nitrite(toxic) and nitrate (not toxic) levels. All this should help you ensure the perfect environment for your fish. If you do not have way to oxygenate the water you may want to extend the return pipe of your filter to the surface or above the surface of the water in order to make it integrate oxygen from the air.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
Why are my koi losing scales and goldfish have white head bumps?
This could be bacterial or parasitic infection. It is difficult to determine definitively since the image provided is not clear. Fish can be difficult to photograph. Basic care includes checking water quality and chemistry. This can be done 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. There should be an absence of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20-60 ppm. pH should be as close to 7 as possible, avoiding large swings. Koi can tolerate a wide range in temperature, but generally do best between 65 F and 75 F. Again, avoid large swings in temperature to prevent stress or shock. If necessary, a partial water change can be done to stabilize chemistry and/or improve water quality. If you have other koi, consider placing this one in a hospital tank to make treatment easier and to prevent spread if the condition is infectious. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 14 days then reassess the condition. If there is no change, consider a broad spectrum antibiotic or "all in one" treatment. Either can be found in the Aquarium section at Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. All that said, if the spots multiply and appear like tiny grains of salt, it could be an ich infection. In this case the entire tank will require treatment. There are several commercial ich medications that can be used. You will also need to thoroughly vacuum the substrate/gravel in the tank and wipe down all tank furniture.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
- Vet Q & A
My fish tank pump is loud and making bubbles. Is my fish safe?
The impeller, the part that moves the water, may be bad or there may be a clog or debris in the pump. If you can get to it, check it for wear or damage and replace it or clear any debris or blockages. If you can't get to it, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
