One of the main causes of illness or death in pet fish is improper tank maintenance. By scheduling regular cleaning and maintenance of your aquarium, you’ll be able to enjoy your fish for a long time to come. Here are some tips on keeping your tank clean:

• Daily: As you admire your fish each day, take time to note a few things. Check the temperature of the water, and make sure the numbers on your thermometer and your heater’s thermostat match. If they don’t, it could be time for a new heater. Check the water level, and top off any evaporated water. Look for any plants or small fish that may have died, and remove them immediately to prevent a build-up of toxic ammonia.
• Monthly: Water changes are usually done about once a month. Remove about 25% of the water in the tank and replace it with new water. This step is important, since a water change is the only way to remove harmful nitrates from the aquarium. The bacteria that convert excess food and fish waste produces these nitrates constantly, so the levels are continually rising. High nitrate levels mean that you need to change your tank’s water more often. Be sure to use a good water conditioner to remove harmful chlorine and/or chloramine from your tap water before adding new water. Check to make sure that all tank equipment is working properly. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, clean or replace filter cartridges, rinse any plants, and check the air filtration pumps and filters to ensure they’re in good working order. Replace lights according to the manufacturer’s directions (usually about every six months) to make sure that the bulbs are still producing the correct lighting.

It’s also a good idea to check any live plants for your aquarium for disease or parasites before adding them to the tank in order to prevent future problems. Pet Supermarket carries a wide selection of aquariums and supplies, and our associates can answer all your fish care questions.

We all need to maintain a proper diet, and fish are no exception to the rule. Here are some tips on proper fish nutrition:

• The right stuff: A balanced diet and proper feeding are the main ingredients for keeping healthy fish, so the first order of business is to learn what kind of food your particular species requires. Different breeds and species will have different nutritional needs. Pet Supermarket offers many different forms of food such as flakes, pellets, sticks, crumbles, freeze-dried, frozen, and live foods, all of which serve a different purpose for the many different types of fish available.
• Just a little more: It’s best to feed your fish after the light has been on for at least an hour. Start by dropping a very small portion of food into the tank. If the fish eat all the food from the tank’s surface, put in a little more. As soon as food begins to fall to the bottom, stop feeding. The amount of food you feed your fish will vary depending on species type, the number of fish in your tank, and the size of the tank itself. After about a month, you can increase your feedings gradually until the proper level is established.
• Staying alive: Proper feeding also helps keep the tank clean and ensures good water conditions. Over-feeding of fish is the leading cause of problems in aquariums, because excess waste can cause the ammonia level in your tank to rise, which can be harmful or deadly to your fish.

For more information on the care and feeding of your fish, speak with the associates at Pet Supermarket. They can help you with everything you’ll need for years of enjoyment from your aquarium.

If you’d like to have a pet but don’t have the time or budget that a large pet requires, then a fish is the perfect companion for you. They’re easy to keep, and make a wonderful addition to any family. A fish also makes a great starter pet for kids. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Choosing Your Fish: Coldwater fish, such as goldfish, are the easiest to care for. Their tanks don’t require heat like tropical fish do, and with so many different breeds of goldfish to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you. Although a tropical fish requires slightly more care, the beauty that they provide is well worth it. The knowledgeable associates at Pet Supermarket can help you select the perfect fish for you.
• Choosing Your Tank: You don’t have to invest in a large aquarium for your new fish–a small tank will be fine for a single fish. Location of the tank and water quality is actually more important than tank size. Make sure to locate the tank out of direct sunlight, since this can adversely affect water temperature and algae growth. No matter which type of fish or tank you choose, the water temperature needs to be consistent, and your tank will need a good filtration system to ensure good water quality.

Pet Supermarket offers a wonderful array of tanks and aquariums, from large to small. For example, take a look at our ten-gallon Deluxe Starter Aquarium Kit. For under $50, you’ll have everything you need to get started. It also makes a great holiday gift-the only thing you’ll need to do is choose your fish, and you’re all set. Enjoy your new pet and your holiday season!

Cichlids (pronounced “sick lids”) are some of the most popular fish kept in aquariums today.

The variety of shapes, sizes, and colors is extensive. Most cichlids come from Africa, South, and Central America. A few species are found in North America and Asia as well.

They are generally easy to breed in captivity. Their territorial and social behaviors make them interesting aquarium inhabitants.

Pet Supermarket offers a variety of cichlids. African Cichlids are some of the most colorful and popular. The beautiful and delicate Rams are dwarf cichlids; Angelfish and Oscars are cichlids as well. So, you can see that the cichlid family has a variety of different looks, sizes, and colors.

One of the common ways to distinguish a member of the cichlid family is the appearance of the fish’s dorsal (or top) fin. The dorsal of the cichlid is made up of two parts. The front of the dorsal has hard, spiny rays and the rear of the dorsal is made up of softer rays. Other than that common trait, the body shape can range from tiny, long, and pencil-like to large and rounded specimens.

Cool Water aquariums

Great for everyone from the beginner to the advanced hobbyist, cool water aquariums require slightly less maintenance than tropical tanks. Because of their tolerance of cooler water temperatures than tropicals, Goldfish are recommended for cool water aquariums.

Goldfish come in all shapes and sizes! At Pet Supermarket, we offer a wide variety of goldfish, from the common Comets to the more exotic, imported Orandas, Ryukins, and Koi. We have everything you need to keep your aquarium sparkling clear and your fish healthy and happy.

Warm Water Aquariums

For beauty and dazzling colors, a tropical aquarium can’t be beat. We have everything you’ll need to enjoy and maintain your tropical aquarium. We offer a wide selection of beautiful tropical fish. We offer tropical fish from all corners of the globe. We can recommend fish for every interest, from the peaceful community aquarium to the more exotic, rare, or aggressive species.

Regardless of which type of environment you choose, a Pet Supermarket associate can assist you in getting started with your new aquarium and help you select hardy, compatible tankmates.

Confused about which fish to add to your aquarium? Read on to learn which fish are compatible in both cool water and warm water environments.

Cool water aquariums
Great for the beginner, cool water aquariums require slightly less maintenance than tropical tanks. Some fish to include:

• Goldfish
• Loaches
• Gouramis

Warm water aquariums
For beauty and dazzling colors, a tropical aquarium can’t be beat. Here are some starter fish:

• Danios
• Tetras
• Swordtails

Regardless of which type of environment you choose, add new fish slowly, over time, to ensure a happy habitat for your finny friends. Still have questions? Feel free to ask the staff at Pet Supermarket.

If you’re a new fish owner, here are some tips on how to care for your freshwater fish:

• Purchase the largest tank you can afford. It’s easier to maintain healthy water conditions with a larger tank.
• Choose proper filtration; fish waste can poison the water, and your fish.
• Locate your tank on a sturdy surface, out of direct sunlight. Sunlight makes it harder to control a steady water temperature, and may contribute to excessive algae growth.
• Plastic caves and plants provide a great way for your fish to explore, escape, and relax.

With the proper tank setup and supplies, you and your fish will get along swimmingly!