Beginning guide

1. Setting Up the Tank

• Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is a good minimum for a small group of guppies, though larger is better for water stability and fish comfort.
• Filtration: A gentle filter is essential to keep the water clean and oxygenated. Choose one that suits the tank size and doesn’t create strong currents, as guppies prefer calm water.
• Heating: Guppies thrive in tropical conditions, so keep the temperature between 74-82°F (23-28°C) with a reliable heater.
• Lighting: Provide around 8-12 hours of lighting daily to support plant growth and natural behavior. LED lights work well.

2. Water Quality

• Water Conditioner: Use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other chemicals when adding tap water.
• pH Level: Guppies prefer a pH of around 7.0-7.5, but they are relatively tolerant within 6.8-7.8.
• Weekly Water Changes: Change 25-30% of the water weekly to keep ammonia and nitrite levels low. Use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate.

3. Choosing Guppies

• Male vs. Female: Males are more colorful, while females are generally larger. If you don’t want them to breed, consider keeping only one gender.
• Adding Fish Gradually: When adding guppies, introduce them slowly to avoid shocking the system with an overload of waste. Acclimate them by floating the bag in the tank and gradually mixing tank water in for about 20-30 minutes.

4. Feeding

• Food Type: Feed guppies a varied diet including high-quality flakes, freeze-dried or live foods like brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
• Portion Control: Feed small amounts 1-2 times per day, only what they can eat in about two minutes. Overfeeding can dirty the water quickly.

5. Tank Mates

• Compatible Fish: Guppies get along well with other peaceful fish like tetras, mollies, and platies. Avoid aggressive fish like cichlids or fish that nip fins, as guppies have flowing tails.

6. Monitoring Health

• Look for Signs of Illness: Watch for any changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or signs of disease (such as white spots or clamped fins).
• Quarantine New Fish: If you’re adding new fish, it’s wise to quarantine them for 2-4 weeks to prevent disease spread.

7. Enjoy Watching!

Guppies are lively, colorful fish that are fun to observe. Spend some time each day watching them to catch any early signs of health issues.

With this basic care, your guppies should thrive and create a beautiful display in your aquarium!