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Visit Petco to learn about cleanup crews and how they can help your aquarium health.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Learn how to care for a Discus, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find Discus for sale, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for Boxfish & Cowfish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for Goldfish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for angelfish, recommended diet and aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
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
Depending on the number of fish you get, water quality will be the most important factor in maintaining their health. You'll need quite a large filter for a tank that size. Ideally, choose one that is rated to handle at least twice volume of water in the tank. Mechanical, chemical and biological filtration are all recommended as well as the inclusion of an ultraviolet filter. Silver perch are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters but thrive at temps between 23 C and 28 C. You may need a heater or heaters capable of maintaining that range. They will spawn anywhere between October and April depending on the age of the fish. Mature fish will spawn early, between October and February, while younger fish will spawn late winter into early Spring. They are an omnivorous species but do well on a commercial pelleted fish chow. One suggestion would be to contact local owners of fish ponds, pond builders and large scale breeders to get more detailed information and to see operations and set up in person.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Pimafix is an acceptable "natural" antifungal treatment. Melafix is for bacterial infections. Kanamycin, erythromycin or metronidazole are good broad spectrum antibiotics. Fungus Cure (by API) is an excellent antifungal. You can find these medications in the aquarium section of most pet stores or even online. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. The cornerstone of any treatment is to first maintain pristine water quality and stable chemistry.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
If it is on the glass, remove enough water to drop levels below the lotion and wipe with paper towels until clean. Avoid soaps or cleaners which can cause more harm to your fish than the lotion. Replace water with aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Use a fresh carbon filter insert to remove any residual lotion or chemicals. If the lotion is on tank furniture, remove and wash with a mild soap then rinse very well before returning it to the tank.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out about Fishy. A UV sterilizer will only help if a bacterial component is adding to the cloudiness. More intense water changes are the best way to remove nitrates. Monitor feeding to limit excess, vacuum bottom of tank to remove degrading detritus. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025