If I want to set up a new aquarium, what will I need?
First decide what type of fish you will want to eventually get. And then choose an appropriate size tank. You will need some sort of lighting, depending on the fish and if you will want to keep plants. You will need the following items:

• Dechlorinator
• Substrate – Sand or gravel
• Filter
• Heater
• Thermometer
• Fish Food
• Net
• Siphon hose
• Decorations (optional)
• Background (optional)
• A beginning aquarium book (optional)

How many fish can a 10-gallon tank hold?
It’s important not to overcrowd your aquarium. Rule of thumb is 1”-1 ½” size of fish per gallon. Depending on the length of the fish, a 10-gallon tank can hold anywhere from 6-10 small fish. You may be able to have more fish if you are willing to do more frequent water changes.

I have this Blue - Green Algae all over my tank. What is it?
Sounds like CyanoBacteria.

How can I get rid of the little snails that are taking over my tank?
Long nosed loaches will do the trick.

How often should I do water changes?
A 25% water change should be done every two weeks. This is dependant on the amount and size of the fish in the tank.

Is water quality really that important?
It is in maintaining a successful aquarium system. Excellent water conditions allow your fish to live long and healthy lives.

If the power were to go out in my house, what should I do with my aquarium?
You should have a battery powered air pump on hand. Turn light off and do not feed the fish.

How do I acclimate the new fish I just purchased?

1. Float bags in the aquarium for approximately 15-20 minutes. This equalizes temperature.
2. Open bags and add approx. ½ cup of water from the aquarium to the bags. Repeat process every 5-10 minutes for a total of 4-5 times. If your aquarium pH & KH are substantially different than ours take more time to acclimate your fish- add 1/8 cup of aquarium water 10-12 times.
3. After equalizing water chemistry release fish into tank, disposing of shipping water.

What type of heater should I get? And where should I put my aquarium heater?
There are two types of heater, submersible and nonsubmersible. You should place the submersible one in a horizontal line across the back wall of the tank so that the heat flows evenly throughout the tank. Nonsubmersible heaters hang on the aquarium frame with the glass tube hanging in the water. Both should be placed near the inflow or outflow of the filter, if possible. There are different styles and prices for each of these. Consult our aquatic specialists when purchasing a heater for the best advice.

Is there a method to introducing aggressive fish?
Always add fish in groups. Single fish can be easy targets. Re-arrange decorations to break up existing territories. Feed existing fish before introducing new tank mates. Turn off the light.

Do I really need an aquarium stand?
A stand needs to be sturdy and strong. A heavy tank can warp wood on regular household furniture. So it’s always best to use a manufactured aquarium stand to support a tank’s weight and it’s designed to be perfectly level. Make sure the aquarium fits the stand correctly. If the tank hangs over the stand or if the stand is too small it can cause the aquarium to warp or break.

Do rocks affect the water pH?
Some may. An easy way to determine if the rock is going to lower the pH is drop a drop of vinegar onto the surface of the rock, if there is a reaction then the rock will lower the pH.

What do I need to know about my new aquarium and the nitrification cycle?
When you visit our store, one of our aquatic specialists will go through and explain the cycle in detail with you.

What temperature should I keep my tank at?
Depends on the type of fish you keep. Most are comfortable around 76 degrees. Ask our aquatic specialists for the specific temperature of the type of fish you keep.

How much and how often, should I feed my fish?
A fish stomach’s is no larger than its eye. The general rule of thumb for feeding is feed only what your fish can eat in 3-5 minutes.

Does the Wet Spot perform water tests? What is the cost?
We do perform free water testing for new customers and to customers with specific problems such as buffering capacity or excess waste levels. However, we do encourage that all aquarium owners own proper testing kits and that they understand how each impacts the water chemistry.

How long should aquarium lights be left on?
The ideal 'photo period', or length of time the aquarium is lit, ranges from eight to twelve hours, depending on the tank. Generally ten hours a day is a good average for most aquariums. Especially, important if you have live plants in your tank.

My heater went out and I cannot get to the store until tomorrow, what should I do?
Add warm dechlorinated tap water and check the temperature after each addition of the warm tap water.

What are good cold tank fishes?
Goldfish, Paradise fish, White Clouds and Zebra Danios