Do I need an appointment to visit?
Yes. Gigi's Aquatics is a private, appointment-based fish room. Contact Gigi first to arrange a time before visiting 509 Buena Ave.
What are your business hours?
Gigi's Aquatics is available daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Private shopping visits are by appointment, so please confirm your visit before arriving.
Do you offer local pickup or delivery?
Private pickup is available by appointment in Middletown. Message Gigi with what you need and your area to ask whether local delivery is available for your order.
How do I get current fish and plant prices?
Stock, sizes, and prices change regularly. Check the New Stock This Week section or the latest stock update page, then send the names of the fish or plants you want. Gigi will reply with current availability, photos, sizes, and pricing.
What should I include when asking about fish?
For the best answer, send your tank size, current fish, water-test results if available, the species you are considering, and a clear photo or short video of the aquarium. This new-customer checklist makes compatibility and care recommendations much more accurate.
Where are aquarium services available?
Setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting are available in Middletown and nearby Butler and Warren County communities, subject to scheduling and the needs of the aquarium.
What payment methods and livestock policies apply?
Payment is accepted by cash, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or Cash App. Confirm the current livestock policy when scheduling or before completing your purchase.
How should I prepare to bring fish home?
Plan to travel directly home, keep the bag temperature stable, and follow the fish acclimation guide. Ask before visiting if you have a long drive.
What is Gigi breeding now and what is coming soon?
Gigi's homebred fish and breeding projects change as fish grow and pair. See the breeding projects page for current homebred lines and planned future species, then message Gigi for live availability.
What setup do I need to breed Betta fish?
Use a separate heated, covered spawning aquarium with shallow conditioned water, gentle filtration, hiding places for the female, and a surface where the male can build a bubble nest. Condition the pair separately and have suitable fry food ready before introducing them. See the Betta Breeding Guide before you begin.
When should I separate Betta fish during breeding?
Supervise every introduction and separate the pair immediately if either fish is being injured or cannot escape. Remove the female after spawning. Remove the male after the fry are free-swimming and no longer need him tending the nest.
What do newly hatched Betta fry eat?
Newly free-swimming Betta fry need extremely small foods such as infusoria or other appropriately sized live fry foods. As they grow, transition carefully to larger foods such as microworms and newly hatched baby brine shrimp while protecting water quality.
Where can I find Gigi's complete Betta breeding instructions?
Use the Gigi's Aquatics Betta Breeding Guide for preparation, conditioning, spawning, egg and fry care, grow-out, and safety reminders. Contact Gigi before breeding if you do not already have separate housing and a plan for the young fish.
How do I cycle a new aquarium before adding fish?
Build beneficial bacteria and test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate before fully stocking your aquarium. See the new tank cycling guide.
How much and how often should I feed my fish?
Portions depend on species, size, and age, but feeding too much quickly creates water problems. Use the fish feeding guide for a simple starting point.
What aquarium water should I test?
Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH are important checks for a freshwater aquarium. Read the freshwater testing guide for the recommended ranges and frequency, or use the API Master Test Kit action chart for test directions and safe next steps.
What chemicals should I use when setting up or maintaining an aquarium?
Start with water conditioner, beneficial bacteria for cycling, and a reliable test kit. For regular care, condition new water and test weekly. Read the new aquarium chemicals guide before adding a treatment.
What aquarium equipment does Gigi recommend?
Choose equipment based on your aquarium size and livestock. Gigi's recommended equipment page covers filters, test kits, heaters, water-change supplies, air pumps, sponge filters, and fish food.
Which aquarium brands does Gigi use?
Gigi uses hygger and Fluval equipment, plus API, Seachem, and Kordon water-care products. Medicines such as Ruby Reef Rally Pro and Hikari PraziPro are used only when the fish and diagnosis call for them.
Can I shop Gigi's recommended aquarium products online?
Yes. The recommended equipment page and chemical guide poster have Amazon shopping links. As an Amazon Associate, Gigi's Aquatics earns from qualifying purchases.
How should I do weekly water changes and clean an aquarium filter?
Test water first, treat new water, and avoid replacing all filter media at once. Use the weekly water-change guide and filter-cleaning guide for the basic routine.
Should I quarantine new fish and what should I do in an aquarium emergency?
Quarantine helps you observe new fish before they enter the display tank. For sudden problems, test water and stabilize conditions before guessing with medicine. Read the quarantine guide and fish emergency guide.
What should I do if I think my fish have ich or parasite symptoms?
Test water first, observe the fish closely, and avoid mixing medications. White spots, flashing, or irritated skin can point to an external concern, while weight loss, appetite changes, or unusual feces can point to an internal concern. See the Ich and fish parasite care guide, then message Gigi with photos and water-test results before treating.
How do I care for freshwater shrimp and cichlids?
Shrimp need mature, stable water and shrimp-safe products. Cichlid compatibility depends on tank footprint, territories, adult size, and temperament. Read the shrimp care guide and cichlid compatibility guide.
Where can I find help with live aquarium plants and seasonal pond care?
Start with the live aquarium plants page for current arrivals like Red Ludwigia, Red Temple, Downoi, Willow Hygro, Moneywort, Mint Plant, Pilea cadierei, Water Sprite, and Anacharis. Use the live plant basics guide for lighting and placement, and the seasonal pond care guide for year-round pond reminders.
