Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello I've heard and read from several places that Petco is like the worst place in the world to buy fish, mainly because many of their fish are supposedly sick. I have been feeding my musk turtle guppies and rosy reds that I have been buying from Petco, and I was just wondering if it is safe to buy fish there. I've also read that some of these pet stores treat their Goldfish with "copper sulfate," which is supposedly toxic and somewhat harmful. Does anyone know anything about this? Do places like Petco treat fish with things like copper sulfate that might be poisonous or harmful to my turtle?
Thanks,
Mark

1 Razorback musk

It depends on the Petco. Some suck and others are alright. You should be able to tell if the fish they have there are healthy. Obviously if theres a lot of dead fish or the fish are unactive and skinny there not to healthy. Also, you didnt say in your post but, if you are feeding your Razorback soley fish, you should offer more of a variety such as some pelleted food like Mazuri. Not sure if you are, just thought I would make sure.
Chris
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Hey whats up, I'm Chris and I currently have 0.1 Midland Painted turtle, 1.0 Western Painted turtle, 0.1 Red Eared Slider, 1.0 Bearded Dragon and a 55gal African Cichlid Tank

Thanks for your response. In answer to your question, I actually feed my turtle a wide variety of foods, including crickets, fish, worms, turtle food, and sometimes catfood. However the fish that I have been feeding it have all been from Petco. The question I had about the copper sulfate was the one that really concerned me. Because fish that are treated with this might appear to be healthy and alright, but in reality they may have this chemical which is somewhat toxic. I was just wondering since this chemical is harmful to fish, if it is also harmful to turtles.
Thanks
Mark

If I remember correctly they use this in the ponds and large tanks they rasie them in to keep the algae in control. I think your fine, just stay away from goldfish and stick with the rosies.
Chris
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Hey whats up, I'm Chris and I currently have 0.1 Midland Painted turtle, 1.0 Western Painted turtle, 0.1 Red Eared Slider, 1.0 Bearded Dragon and a 55gal African Cichlid Tank

I have heard warnings about the copper content of all pet store feeder goldfish, but I have an Amphiuma (about 15 years) and a Budgett's frog (about 12 years) that are fed frequently on pet store goldfish, so I am very skeptical of this warning,

NEVER feed a turtle exclusively on fish, if possible, as ALL fish (not just goldfish and minnows as is often reported ) contain an enzyme (Thiaminase) that destroys the B vitamins, possibly leading at times to neurological problems. You see this most frequently in Mata mata turtles that are very difficult to convert to prepared foods. In moderation, as part of a diverse diet, there is no reason for concern, however.

thanks, I'll try to stay clear of the goldfish and stick with the minnows and guppies.
~Mark