Guppies are perhaps one of the most admired types of freshwater fish to keep in an aquarium. This is mainly due to the fact that they are fairly easy to keep. Here are a few tips on aquarium care for freshwater fish. Guppies are hardy fish and seem to withstand minor temperature changes within their environment. However, don't allow these fluctuations to become common practice, as they do cause some stress to the fish. Guppies can easily accept water temperatures between seventy two and eighty degrees. Your tank’s water ph level should be in the 7.0 to 8.2 range. As mentioned earlier, these general guidelines make Guppies a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. There are other freshwater and marine fish that demand much more attention to specifics. Guppies reach maturity quickly and usually are fully grown at about one and a half to two inches long. Guppies can be fun to watch and certainly peak one’s interest with the endless array of colors they sport.
Caring for your Guppies consists of three basic components. First, diet is important. Guppies like to cruise the tank looking for food. They can be fed as often as three times a day. Just remember, use small amounts of food during each feeding. Make sure no leftover food sinks and begins to rot on the bottom of your aquarium’s gravel. This can cause unsafe water conditions in the long run. Many online suppliers carry food specially designed for Guppies, but any balanced flakes should be fine. Speaking of food, make sure your tank has lots of floating plants. If there are any fry, they will need a good place to hide because Guppies will eat their young. Secondly, and equally important to keeping Guppies is water condition. The specific temperatures are listed above, but make sure you are doing frequent water changes. Changing about one third of your tanks water every one or two weeks is necessary. Keep an eye open for smelly or cloudy water. This is a warning sign and should trigger your attention with swift action.
Thirdly, your Guppies environment should be as close to natural as possible. They will be happy if they feel at home. Guppies like to swim in and out of plants. Their habitat should include a variety of plant types. One recommendation is a few inches gravel on the tank bottom. This will allow a good anchor for many plant types. Your local pet store or an online retailer is a fast and easy way to buy rock. Usually, retailers carry a basic aquarium kit that contains all the items needed for any level of the hobby. Some of the colored gravels make a fine choice and can add a sparkle to your tank.
Now, let’s talk fish! Here are a few species you may want to start out with. The Deltatail, Roundtail, Flagtail, Spadetail and Fantail are just a few. Needless to say, these varieties are names after the tail formation. As you keep and observe Guppies, you will surely grow to admire their unique and star power tails. The tails usually develop into about one third of the size of the whole fish. Many hobbyists use Guppies in their community tanks. This is fine but be aware that Guppies are usually smaller than many types of community tank fish. Their size and often large flowing tails can make them easy targets for other fish. As far as breeding, they are quick to respond. Usually about every three to four weeks the little fry will appear swimming among the plants. Those plants by the way may be the only defense the fry have to survive. Guppy adults will prey on their young. If you’re thinking about breeding, you should that the species will interbreed. If this is not your intentions, keep the species separated. So, have fun with your Guppies. Enjoy their remarkable colors, fancy tails, and how quickly a few fish can turn your tank into a thriving community!
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