Petco question

[98315351]

I just started a new cycled tank and I want to get around 10 fish. What is your thoughts on getting Petco fish that never go in a Petco tank and are only ordered through aquaculture facilities like Biota, ORA, quality marine. Or am I better off ordering it from a company that says they quarantine but 3 weeks in there tank might not be enough and I’m better off going with aquaculture fish?

 

[NoMu Fish]

I just started a new cycled tank and I want to get around 10 fish. What is your thoughts on getting Petco fish that never go in a Petco tank and are only ordered through aquaculture facilities like Biota, ORA, quality marine. Or am I better off ordering it from a company that says they quarantine but 3 weeks in there tank might not be enough and I’m better off going with aquaculture fish?

I think you would be completely fine doing that. I have even purchased fish from PetCo tanks in the past. I would just ensure you watch the fish for a little and make sure it looks good, free of any illness, and healthy. I would recommend quarantining the fish in your own qt system regardless of where you purchase from. Some fish from PetCo make it, others don't. However, that's the same with the big time sellers as well. I wouldn't say PetCo has a higher mortality rate than anyone else if you know what to look for!

 

[tbrown]

Probably 80% of my fish came from PetCo. If they haven't been out of the bag yet just make sure you give them a good look over prior to purchasing.

 

[secret_reefer337]

I have a clownfish from Petco that I bought 7 years ago. I used to have a Blue Hippo tang from Petco that I didn’t even quarantine and lives in my tank healthy (I supposed) for 4 years until I have to re-home. There are Petcos that have a good aquatic maintenance and carry some healthy fish.

 

[tbrown]

I have a clownfish from Petco that I bought 7 years ago. I used to have a Blue Hippo tang from Petco that I didn’t even quarantine and lives in my tank healthy (I supposed) for 4 years until I have to re-home. There are Petcos that have a good aquatic maintenance and carry some healthy fish.

+1

 

[mikey1958]

Hnestly

I just started a new cycled tank and I want to get around 10 fish. What is your thoughts on getting Petco fish that never go in a Petco tank and are only ordered through aquaculture facilities like Biota, ORA, quality marine. Or am I better off ordering it from a company that says they quarantine but 3 weeks in there tank might not be enough and I’m better off going with aquaculture fish?

I have never had a Petco fish live ore than one week..

 

[LeannaBanana]

Just chiming in to agree and vouch that my local Petco is amazing for fish and inverts. The staff cares and will go out of their way to special order anything they are able to, and keep it out of their tanks if you ask nicely, IME.

Edited to add clarification: By "keep it out of their tanks," I mean they call me on shipment day and I roll in just after their truck delivery does to pick up...and I still QT.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I just started a new cycled tank and I want to get around 10 fish. What is your thoughts on getting Petco fish that never go in a Petco tank and are only ordered through aquaculture facilities like Biota, ORA, quality marine. Or am I better off ordering it from a company that says they quarantine but 3 weeks in there tank might not be enough and I’m better off going with aquaculture fish?

aquacultured best and QUARANTINE - assume they all have something when purchased.
Stock VERY slowly

 

[Tamberav]

I just started a new cycled tank and I want to get around 10 fish. What is your thoughts on getting Petco fish that never go in a Petco tank and are only ordered through aquaculture facilities like Biota, ORA, quality marine. Or am I better off ordering it from a company that says they quarantine but 3 weeks in there tank might not be enough and I’m better off going with aquaculture fish?

Biota and ORA still in the bag are safe.

Quality marine has a bunch of wild fish.

 

[98315351]

Biota and ORA still in the bag are safe.

Quality marine has a bunch of wild fish.

How do I know what fish are aquaculture from quality marine?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Some chain stores get fish from distributors that mix fish, so ensure your Petco is getting these fish directly. Also, the double bounce is an issue - get the fish home ASAP after it arrives. You also need to modify your acclimation method to account for long shipping time.
Jay

 

[98315351]

Some chain stores get fish from distributors that mix fish, so ensure your Petco is getting these fish directly. Also, the double bounce is an issue - get the fish home ASAP after it arrives. You also need to modify your acclimation method to account for long shipping time.
Jay

What is your recommendation for acclimating?

 

[tbrown]

What is your recommendation for acclimating?

You'll want to add an air stone most likely. Get some oxygen in the water and some gas exchange going but you're going to want to get the ammonia down quicklier.

Am I close @Jay Hemdal ?

 

[Tamberav]

How do I know what fish are aquaculture from quality marine?

It may be labeled on the list. I wouldn't get anything from QM and assume it is safe from disease though since they import/sell many wild fish.

 

[OfficeReefer]

I wouldn't worry about it if you QT. There are others on here that never QT and I am in the partial of those groups. If you can get an LFS to do this for you, would be best. They had a beautiful Coral Beauty in their stores the other day. Do note that not all fish can tolerate QT meds like copper equally.

The big concern I typically have there is corals generally suck, live rock is typically painted and minimal and the accessories and what not for salt, are not that good. My dog loves the place though.

I do know of others on here that never QT and picked up a UV with flow targeting parasite control. These have worked well enough for me that I generally only QT an expensive fish now.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

What is your recommendation for acclimating?
Here is an article I recently posted on acclimation:

Acclimation Methods

Acclimating Animals to Aquariums Jay F. Hemdal c.2020 Introduction to acclimation techniques Most beginning aquarists hear that they must “acclimate” any new animals they add to their aquarium. Acclimation (sometimes termed...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay