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Aquatic Pets and Aquariums

What’s the best freshwater aquarium fish combination? What size tank does a pet pufferfish need? Does an aquarium need to have plants? Are saltwater aquarium fish right for me? Uncle Bill’s can answer these questions and help you find the right pet fish or other aquatic friends, along with all the aquatic pet supplies you need to give it a comfortable home.

Best Aquatic Pets for Beginners

Pet fish habitats can range from a simple rectangular tank to nano reef or betta tanks to a saltwater aquarium holding 100 gallons or more. Uncle Bill’s generally recommends that people who are new to maintaining an aquarium choose a fish that’s low-maintenance. Here are some excellent freshwater fish for beginners:
Guppies
Mollies
Platies
*These three types of freshwater fish above get along well with each other, and can live in a large enough tank in same-sex groups.
Bettas
*Smart, showy, but only female Bettas can share a tank since males are aggressive to each other, but male Bettas may share a tank with Neon Tetras.
Cichlids
*While fairly aggressive, some of the most colorful and popular freshwater fish in the hobby.

Other Aquatic Pets

In addition to fish, Uncle Bill’s has a wide variety of water-loving animals:
Frogs
Sideneck Turtles
And Axolotls!
*Our inventory varies by location, so please contact us if you’re looking for a specific type of aquatic pet or stop by an Uncle Bill’s location near you.

Aquarium Care

Uncle Bill’s has everything you’d expect in an aquatic pet store: aquariums, filtration systems, fish food, and more. Our friendly associates can help you choose an appropriately sized saltwater or freshwater aquarium for your pet and provide tips on aquatic plants and fish tank accessories.

Quick tips for freshwater aquariums:
*Avoid direct sunlight to deter algae growth
*Once a week
-Change about 10-20% of your tank water (varies by tank size and number of fish)
-Use a siphon when removing water so you can do it slowly
-Set aside water you siphon off to use when you clean the filter
-Only add pre-treated or R/O water to the tank

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Aquariums are great learning tools.

Whether you’re an adult hobbyist or have kids interested in science, building and perfecting an aquarium habitat is a fun and exciting way to learn about nature and ecology.

Aquariums promote responsibility without being too demanding.

Kids (and adults) of all ages can participate in various tasks related to maintaining an aquarium, and they often become deeply invested in the saltwater fish or freshwater fish they select. Aquariums can also be a relatively low-maintenance hobby, which is perfect for busy households.

Aquariums reduce stress and anxiety.

Have you noticed how many doctors’ offices have aquariums? That is not a coincidence! Experts, including the former Surgeon General of the United States, advocate aquariums for their proven health benefits, including reducing blood pressure!

Flying Fox Algae Eaters

| Apr 16, 2019

Flying Fox Algae Eater Fish

Also known as the Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, this fish is native to Southeast Asian freshwaters such as those of Borneo, Thailand, and Sumatra for example. The Flying Fox fish has a long body, dorsal colors ranging from deep brown to olive/tan, and a dark line from snout to tail with a golden stripe. They can grow up to 6 inches in length and may live up to 8 to 10 years with proper care and environment.

Often mistaken for the Siamese algae eater, the Flying Fox notably has pairs of barbels around its mouth, a smoother edge to the line across its body, a golden band along this line down their body, and colored fins instead of translucent like the Siamese algae eater. Alternately, it also has white or red "flashes" at the edges of its fins, whereas the Siamese or False Flying Fox do not. The black line along the body of the Flying Fox also goes all the way through the tailfin with a more consistent thickness.
flying-fox-fish-diagram

Hardy, and easy to care for, this is a popular fish that can survive various water pH levels and water hardness ranges. They enjoy a strong water current and fine gravel as well as plenty of leafy plants, rocks, and/or driftwood they can use to hide when needed. Typically a scavenging bottom-dweller, it will eat flake, wafer, frozen, and pellet food. The Flying Fox will benefit, too, from eating insects or even certain vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce, and seaweed in addition to feeding on the green algae in your tank!
epalzeorhynchos_kalopterus flying fox fish
Due to their unique look, ease of care, algae eating qualities, and friendliness these fish are wonderful companions to many tank environments. Flying Fox fish can make great community fish as they can be compatible with a wide range of other fish such as Acaras, Barbs, Danios, Gourmis, Loaches, Tetras, and Rasboras as long as there's enough room and hiding places. It even sometimes will display the strange habit of resting on its pectoral fins on either the gravel or wide plant leaves!
Epalzeorhynchos-kalopterus--flying-fox-fish
Right now until May 13th, you can get your own Flying Fox fish for only $4.99 at Uncle Bill's Pet Centers!

Are you ready to find a saltwater or freshwater fish store near you? Then visit the nearest Uncle Bill’s Pet Center today! We’ll help you learn more about how to get started with an aquarium, or you can view our amazing selection of pet fish as well as other aquatic animals and accessories.

Uncle Bill’s Pet Center is an ethical, humane source for a wide variety of pets, including Dogs, Cats, Fish, Birds, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Reptiles, Amphibians, and other small and exotic animals. We are the premier pet store in the Indianapolis area, with locations on the east, northeast, and west sides of Indianapolis, as well as in Fishers, Greenwood, and Ft. Wayne. Uncle Bill’s Pet Center carries a large inventory of pet supplies, and is committed to helping our customers understand and care for their animals throughout their lives.