A fish tank makes a beautiful addition to any home or office. It also provides a living environment for tropical fish and other aquatic creatures. Aquariums are glass encased containers that can hold anywhere from 5 to 55 gallons of water. Fish tanks need a variety of items to provide a healthy environment, including filters, heaters, an aerator and lighting. These items are available at most pet stores that carry aquariums.
Aquariums require a special filter that cleans the water between changes, as well as aquarium salt and other supplies to keep the tank healthy. A heater helps maintain the correct temperature for your fish, while an aerator introduces oxygen into the water to keep it livable. These accessories are typically placed in the center of the tank to ensure the flow of water is adequate. A fish tank should be filled with substrate, such as gravel, sand or moss. These materials help add natural color to the aquarium and offer a place for fish to hide when they want to rest or play.
Fish need food, too, and it’s available in a wide range of options. These foods are usually flakes or pellets that can be fish meal-based, algae-based or seafood-based. These types of foods give fish the vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients they need for health and vitality. Supplements, such as calcium, may be added to a fish’s diet as needed.
Most Petco Pet Care Centers have a selection of freshwater aquarium fish and accessories. Some locations also stock saltwater aquatic life and supplies, which are ideal for experienced aquarium owners. Saltwater aquariums require more attention and maintenance than freshwater, and they’re best for people with experience in keeping marine species alive.
Aside from the freshwater and saltwater options, most pet stores sell a wide range of aquarium supplies and decorations. Some shops specialize in certain types of fish or aquatic life, but they generally have everything you need to keep your fish healthy and happy.
If you’re looking for a fish store near me that carries specific exotic creatures, try searching online. You might be able to find the perfect specimen at an online auction site or at an eBay-affiliated aquarium fish store. For example, Cory was able to score a rare ellipsifer eel by checking several online African cichlid aquarium shops on a regular basis until he found one that had the rare fish in stock.
While many pet store chains deal in wild-caught fish caught using cyanide, a few outlets are dedicated to providing quality products and knowledgeable staffers. The Lower East Side’s Pacific Aquarium is a good example of an aquarium fish store that offers healthy and exotic fish as well as a large selection of driftwood decor. The shop’s staffers are enthusiastic about helping budding hobbyists and long-time aquarists, and they can recommend the right aquarium supplies for your needs. They can also show you the proper way to set up an aquarium and how to take care of it.