All aquariums have some form of algae. It’s normal and can even be beneficial. But algae overgrowth can harm your fish and plants. Understand the conditions that cause algae to grow and you will keep a healthy tank that is crystal clear year round.

What causes algae to grow?

• Leaving the aquarium in direct sunlight
• Overfeeding the fish
• Using water with high nutrients
• Leaving lights on too long

Keep in mind the three basic necessities for algae growth: water, sunlight and nutrients. Too much of any of these items can cause algae overgrowth. How?

Reducing algae growth

• Limit lighting – Avoid direct sunlight altogether and limit artificial lighting to about eight hours a day.
• Check your water and change it regularly – Partial water changes will help control nitrates and phosphates and in turn, algae. Also, test your source of new water for nutrients and use filter medias as well.
• Use live plants – One way to combat algae is to use live plants, which compete for the same nutrients that feed algae. If you include plants, use full-spectrum plant bulbs, which are good for about one year.
• Keep algae-eating fish – The Siamese Flying Fox, Otocinclus or Plecostomus will help keep algae levels low.
• Don’t overfeed – Overfeeding is common. One way to check is to watch your fish eat. If they don’t eat all of the food you give them in five minutes, you’re overfeeding. Remove uneaten food, which increase phosphate levels as well.

Using these tips will help you maintain healthy fish and an aquarium with little algae growth.

For filter media, aquarium supplies and more, visit your local Pet Supermarket or PetSupermarket.com.

Ammonia poisoning is generally caused by two common occurrences in aquarium chemistry. First, it’s the buildup of toxic ammonia and nitrite in the water. And second, it’s the displacement of oxygen in the water by the ammonia. This means that there is more ammonia in the water and less oxygen available for your fish and your biological filter.

Too much ammonia stresses the fish and poses a risk of organ failure and suffocation. The best way to prevent ammonia poisoning is to follow these simple steps: Preventing ammonia poisoning:

• Test the water: To detect problems before they become serious, monitor the water for ammonia at least twice a month. Pet Supermarket carries a variety of home test kits and we will gladly test your aquarium’s water at no charge in the store.
• Adding new fish: Always stock new tanks slowly. Add only a couple of fish initially and wait until the tank has completely cycled before adding more.
• Feed in moderation: Feed fish small quantities of foods, and remove any food not consumed as soon as possible.
• Change water regularly: Clean the tank every week and perform a partial water change at least every other week.

The best cure is always prevention. A clean tank and prompt removal of uneaten food are the best ways to maintain a healthy environment for your fish. At Pet Supermarket we have everything you’ll need to keep your aquarium in top shape. Come in today!

Taking the proper safety steps is the key to keeping your tank free of pathogens and parasites. Below are some of the most important steps you can take to protect your aquarium fish:

1. Water Chemistry: Test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates and pH frequently. Water changes are necessary to insure that all of these factors are in check and kept at safe and proper levels for your aquarium’s population. Pet Supermarket carries a variety of at home test kits and we will gladly test your aquarium water at no charge in the store. We have a variety of products that help to maintain good water quality.
2. Isolate New Fish: Any new fish should be placed in a “hospital” tank for a few days to watch for any infection. If something develops, you can treat the tank according to the medication package directions. Once the fish is deemed safe, it can be introduced to the main tank.
3. Isolate Sick Fish: Any fish in the main tank that appears ill or injured should be isolated and treated immediately. By the time a fish is showing symptoms, it’s already very sick and treatment is the key to its survival.

In the end, the best cure is always prevention. A clean tank, prompt removal of uneaten food and the isolation of sick fish are some of the best ways to maintain a healthy environment for your fish. At Pet Supermarket we have everything you’ll need to keep your aquarium in top shape. Come in today!

Water quality establishes the well-being and growth of your aquarium’s population. Maintaining clean and healthy water through partial water changes is the key to the well-being of your aquarium’s residents. Partial water changes provide the following benefits:

• Pollutants Reduction: Changing the water lowers the amount of harmful ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and nitrogen compounds that slow fish growth and impair vitality.
• Waste Removal: As organic waste breaks down, decomposing organic materials create an acidic environment that can lower your water’s pH to harmful levels.
• Water Clarity: In addition to the aesthetic appeal of clear and clean water, transparent water allows light to come through aiding in fish growth.

Partial water changes are a basic aspect of aquarium maintenance and inhabitant health. At Pet Supermarket, we carry all the tools you’ll need to main your aquarium clean and healthy.

Did you know that bubbles do more than just add decoration to the tank? One of the keys to a healthy aquarium is water that is rich in oxygen. Here’s more information:

• Oxygen is replenished at the water’s surface. Water found at the bottom of the aquarium has the lowest oxygen content. It is heavy with carbon dioxide. This water must be brought to the surface to be re-oxygenated. When water is brought up the siphon tube in a power filter from lower parts of the aquarium and spills back over the return, it absorbs oxygen. For this reason, the siphon tube strainer should be as deep in the aquarium as possible.
• Bubbles perform the same function. Bubbles “push” water to the surface and create a circulation in the aquarium. The bubbles themselves don’t add the oxygen. The “pushing” of the water to the surface does.

So, not only do bubbles add a unique look to the tank, they add a healthy way to add essential oxygen to the water. Adding bubbles is good for every tank, especially tanks which are very deep with small surface areas. Pet Supermarket has a wonderful selection of aquariums in all shapes and sizes. We also have a large selection of aquarium supplies, accessories, and decorations, along with much more. Stop in today to start creating the perfect aquarium for your fish.

Bettas are a favorite among home aquarists. Here’s more information on these colorful fish:

• Bettas are carnivorous fish that eat insects and larvae in the wild. They don’t eat any plants. Bettas should be fed once a day and they have tiny stomachs. Uneaten food can accumulate and pollute the tank quickly. Bettas can also go for a couple of days without food. If you must medicate your Betta for any reason, it is best to mix any meds in a one-gallon container first and then use that water in the betta’s bowl for the duration of the treatment. This is easier than trying to dose a small quantity of water.
• Bettas are “bubble-nest” builders. Many times, you’ll notice a “foamy” nest on the surface of your betta’s home. He’s only going through normal mating behavior. To mate Bettas, a female would be put in a tank behind a glass divider, next to the male. While he builds a bubble nest, she fills with eggs. At the right time, they’re placed together. He wraps his body around hers and “squeezes” the eggs from her. He then fertilizes them, takes them one by one in his mouth, and “blows” each fertilized egg into one of the bubbles in the bubble nest. When she’s done laying eggs, the female is removed. The male then diligently patrols below the nest, picking up and re-bubbling any eggs that might fall from a burst bubble until they hatch. Once hatched, when the babies (or fry) are free-swimming, they’re fed a baby fish food. When they’re large enough to determine their sex, the males must all be separated. The females are usually drab in color with short fins. A well-cared for betta can live for 2-3 years.

At Pet Supermarket, we offer excellent diets specially formulated for bettas. Hikari’s Betta Bio-Gold(R) is a blended pellet formula, and freeze-dried Bloodworms are also a favorite food of bettas. Visit your local Pet Supermarket today for all your betta fish and aquarium needs.

Do you lead a stressful life or have health issues? If so, then having an aquarium could have positive effects on your health.

Here’s more information:

• Several studies have proven that watching fish in an aquarium can lower blood pressure, decrease pulse rate, and reduce muscle tension. One study has shown that watching fish can calm children with ADHD, and additional research has shown that watching aquariums can improve the mental state and eating habits of the elderly. Further research has indicated that aquarium-watching also helps decrease disruptive behaviors in Alzheimer’s patients. Another study revealed that observing an aquarium before dental work is often as effective as hypnosis for reducing anxiety, and patients required less pain medication afterwards.
• Although countless studies have shown that owning a pet such as a cat or dog has health benefits, not everyone can accommodate or manage that type of pet. An aquarium is the perfect choice for apartment dwellers, people with physical limitations that may not allow them to exercise a dog properly, or simply for those who lead hectic lives but still desire a pet.

At Pet Supermarket, we have everything you need to create your personal aquatic environment. We carry aquariums in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as supplies, accessories, plants, and yes-fish! Our friendly and helpful associates can answer any questions you may have, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, visit us today.

There’s nothing more beautiful than an aquarium full of beautiful, peaceful fish. If you’re thinking of starting one, then here are some things to consider before you start:

• Decide which type of fish you want to keep, and then carefully research the care requirements and compatibility of those fish. Buying your equipment before deciding which fish you’re going to have could lead to inappropriate equipment or insufficient tank size.
• Once you know more about the type of fish you want, then you can determine your budget, space requirements, and aquarium size. You’ll know how much time you’ll need to devote to care and maintenance, and you’ll also know which fish you can (or can’t) add to your aquarium later.

Pet Supermarket is your one-stop resource for all your aquarium needs. We can help you every step of the way—with research, selecting fish, aquarium needs, care and maintenance supplies, and expert advice. So stop by your local Pet Supermarket today to get started on your very own aquatic environment!

If you’re thinking of becoming a fish owner, then Betta fish are a great place to start. Their vibrant colors and ease of care make them an excellent choice for any fish enthusiast. Here are some tips on caring for Bettas:

• Also known as “Siamese Fighting Fish”, Bettas are only aggressive to each other by nature; that’s why they’re usually seen in small bowls, kept alone. Male Betta fish will even fan out their fins at their own reflection in a mirror. Placing two male Bettas in the same tank will almost certainly result in the death of one of them. Female Bettas are slightly less aggressive, so combining a male and female Betta for breeding should be done with extreme caution, and is best left to the advanced aquarist.
• Although Bettas can survive in small bowls, they’ll truly thrive in a larger tank. Top off your tank regularly with de-chlorinated water, and clean it on a regular basis to remove excess waste. Bettas like plenty of hiding places, but choose any plants or accessories carefully, since the delicate fins of Betta fish can become entangled in these items. By nature, Bettas are carnivores; feed them daily with a small amount of flakes or pellets formulated for Bettas, because this food has specific proteins and nutrients they’ll need to stay healthy.

Your Betta will also enjoy a treat now and then—Betta Bites® are a great choice . Pet Supermarket has a huge selection of aquariums, accessories, and high-quality fish foods and treats to help you create the ideal environment for your fish. Our knowledgeable associates can answer any questions you have, so visit us today for all your fish care needs!

An important step in proper aquarium maintenance is controlling algae growth. When left unchecked, algae can quickly consume your tank. Here’s more information:

• What Causes Algae? Algae growth is common in almost every aquatic environment, feeding on nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates. Water testing is essential to control nitrate and phosphate levels; by testing and regularly changing your water, you can eliminate some algae problems before they begin. It’s also a good idea to keep your aquarium out of direct sunlight in order to control the light source for your tank, since algae can grow in almost any light.
• How Do I Control Algae? One of the best ways to control algae is to add live plants to your aquarium. The nitrates and phosphates in your tank that algae feed on occur naturally from fish waste, and sometimes from the quality of the water used. Live plants will compete for these same nutrients, leaving very little for algae to feed on.

Other solutions for algae control are filters and commercial phosphate and nitrate removers, such as Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Nitra-Zorb(TM) and Phos-Zorb(TM). These products, combined with proper lighting, partial water changes, and regular tank maintenance will ensure that your aquarium stays crystal clear. For more information, ask the associates at Pet Supermarket. They can answer your questions and help you with everything you need for a beautiful and healthy tank environment.