Healthy Aquarium

Your Healthy Aquarium

FISH CARE TIP At PETCO, Thinking Green means “Going Blue”

Owning an aquarium is one of the best ways to reduce the stress of daily life, and can be a beautiful focal point for any room in your home. An aquarium brings a beautiful piece of nature into your home. Just as the rest of the world is “Thinking Green” by going natural with their pet products, our Aquatics department is “Going Blue.” PETCO believes in taking a preventative and healthier approach to maintaining your aquarium. If you follow the simple guidelines in this book you can keep and maintain an amazing aquarium with great results.

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

FISH CARE TIP

Tap water is not safe for your fish until it has been properly treated with water conditioner.

WATER CONDITIONING

Prepare the water in 2 easy steps: 1. Use a water conditioner 2. Add beneficial bacteria to the water Water conditioners make tap water safe for fish by removing chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals. Beneficial bacteria supplements are a chemical free way to cycle your water.

Water Conditioning

One of the most important parts of making your aquarium water safe for fish is conditioning the water. People sometimes assume untreated or regular tap water can be used as aquarium water. Tap water is not safe for fish until it has been properly treated. This should be done every time you add water to your tank, whether it’s due to evaporation or you’re performing a water change.

Water Conditioner

Water conditioners are used primarily to remove chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals from tap water. Some brands also have additives such as aloe extracts and echinacea to help fish maintain their slime coat and reduce stress. This is important as stress is one of the largest contributors to fish illness. PETCO uses and recommends Aqua Plus water conditioner.

Beneficial Bacteria

Adding a beneficial bacteria supplement to your water is a chemical free way to cycle the water. Cycling the water aids in the biological filtration of your aquarium and helps to reduce the loss of new aquatic life. By naturally reducing fish waste in the water, beneficial bacteria is a great way to maintain water quality in existing tanks. PETCO uses and recommends Microbe Lift Special Blend.

FISH CARE TIP

A good rule of thumb is to change 20% of your water every 2 to 3 weeks.

MAINTENANCE

To keep your aquarium inhabitants healthy, you must maintain your tank properly. There are several easy steps to take: 1. Perform regular water changes 2. Add beneficial bacteria products 3. Test your water regularly Doing this on a regular basis will keep your tank clear and beautiful and greatly reduce the chance of your fish getting sick.

Adding a beneficial bacteria supplement is important to maintain water quality. Maintain a healthy environment by testing your aquarium water regularly.

Maintenance

Performing regular water changes is the single most important task you can do to keep the water clean and safe for your fish.

Water Changes

A general guideline of how much water you should change is 20% of the total water volume, every 2-3 weeks. For example: in a 50 gallon tank, you would change out 10 gallons. In a 10 gallon tank, you would change out 2 gallons. To perform the water change you will need a bucket and a gravel vacuum.

Water Changes

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• Siphon the water into a bucket using a gravel vacuum. • Dispose of the old water. • Fill the bucket with clean water. • Add water conditioner and a beneficial bacteria supplement. • Ensure the water temperature of the water in the bucket is within 3 degrees of the water in the aquarium. • Slowly pour the water into the tank.

Beneficial Bacteria

Adding a beneficial bacteria supplement will boost your tanks natural biological filter. This reduces the need for cleaning by serving as an organic waste degrader. These products lower ammonia and nitrates naturally when used on a regular basis. Beneficial bacteria supplements can also improve water clarity and remove odor caused by fish waste. PETCO uses and recommends Microbe Lift Special Blend.

Testing Your Water

Water should be tested on a weekly basis. Testing can identify potential water issues before they occur. Water testing checks your aquarium’s pH, nitrite, nitrate and ammonia levels. Bring a sample of your water to PETCO and an associate can test your water for you, or you can purchase a kit to test your water at home. PETCO recommends API Water Test Kits.

FISH CARE TIP Check your fish weekly for any signs of illness.

PETCO is the industry leader in helping cure your fish through a healthy and safe process. This can be done by either: 1. Setting up a hospital tank 2. Treating your aquarium Both methods have been proven successful, and best of all, they’re both natural which is healthier for your aquarium water, your fish, and most importantly you. A hospital tank is usually up to 10 gallons and used to isolate sick fish. If you are unable to set up a separate hospital tank, the next best thing is to treat the entire aquarium. This is accomplished by controlling the water temperature, performing water changes and by adding API Freshwater Salt.

Health Solutions

HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Setting Up a Hospital Tank

A hospital tank is usually a tank up to 10 gallons used to isolate sick fish. It should consist of a tank, filter, heater, freshwater salt and a few plastic plants to provide cover for your fish. Fill the tank with water. Add water conditioner and beneficial bacteria. Turn on the filter and set heater between 80-82 degrees. To treat fish, add API Freshwater Salt as directed. PETCO recommends Aqueon Water Conditioner.

Treating the Entire Aquarium

Treating your entire tank is accomplished by increasing the water temperature 2-4 degrees (not to exceed 82 degrees) and by adding API Freshwater Salt as directed. Note: It is important to test your water on a daily basis while you are treating your fish for illness. Water parameters need to remain constant so sick fish can focus on healing. PETCO uses and recommends API Aquarium Salt.

Your Healthy Aquarium