Here’s a care guide for guppies in bullet point form:
Tank Setup:
- Tank size: 10 gallons or larger for a small group of guppies.
- Filtration: Use a gentle filter to maintain water quality.
- Heater: Maintain water temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
Water Conditions:
- pH level: 7.0-7.8.
- Water hardness: 10-15 dGH.
- Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels should be monitored and kept at safe levels.
Guppy Diet:
- Provide high-quality flake or pellet food.
- Supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
- Feed small amounts 2-3 times a day, only what they can consume in a few minutes.
Tank Decor:
- Add plants (real or silk) for hiding spots and oxygen production.
- Use fine gravel or sand substrate.
- Guppies appreciate floating plants for cover.
Guppy Compatibility:
- Guppies are peaceful and can be kept with other community fish of similar size and temperament.
- Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Breeding:
- Guppies are prolific breeders; provide plenty of hiding spots for fry.
- Separate fry from adults to prevent predation.
- Be prepared to manage or separate the males and females to control population if needed.
Health and Maintenance:
- Regular water changes (20-25% weekly) to maintain water quality.
- Quarantine new fish to prevent the introduction of diseases.
- Keep an eye out for common guppy ailments like fin rot or ich.
Behavior and Observation:
- Guppies are active and social fish, so provide them with companions.
- Observe their behavior for signs of stress or illness.
- Guppies are known for their vibrant colors and fin shapes, which can vary by breed.
A note on gender: Guppies are sexually dimorphic, with males having more colorful and larger fins. If you don’t want breeding, consider keeping only one gender or ensuring a balanced male-to-female ratio.
Remember that guppies have a reputation for breeding rapidly, so be prepared for potential overpopulation or have a plan in place to manage it.
