How to Keep Guppies: A Comprehensive Guide

Guppies, scientifically known as Poecilia reticulata, are among the most popular freshwater aquarium fish due to their vibrant colors, lively personalities, and ease of care. Originating from South America, these small fish are ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Here’s a detailed guide on how to successfully keep guppies in your home aquarium.

1. Setting Up the Aquarium

Tank Size

  • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) for a small group of guppies. Larger tanks (20+ gallons) are better for long-term health and water stability.
  • Group Size: Keep at least 3-5 guppies together to prevent stress. Males are more colorful but can be aggressive; females are calmer and larger.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C). Use a heater with a thermostat to maintain consistency.
  • pH Level: 6.8-7.8 (slightly acidic to neutral).
  • Water Hardness: 8-12 dGH (moderate hardness).
  • Filtration: A gentle sponge filter or hang-on-back filter is ideal to avoid strong currents, which can stress guppies.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting (8-10 hours/day) to encourage plant growth and enhance colors.

Substrate & Décor

  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand, as guppies like to sift through the bottom.
  • Plants: Live plants (e.g., Java moss, Amazon sword, or hornwort) provide hiding spots and improve water quality.
  • Decorations: Driftwood, rocks, and caves offer shelter and reduce aggression.

2. Feeding Guppies

Diet

  • Primary Food: High-quality flake food or pellet food designed for tropical fish.
  • Supplements: Offer occasional treats like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms for protein.
  • Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes to prevent overfeeding.

Tips

  • Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to obesity and water pollution.
  • Fast-growing fry may need more frequent feedings (3-4 times/day).

3. Water Quality & Maintenance

Regular Water Changes

  • Weekly: Replace 20-30% of the water with dechlorinated water.
  • Monthly: Clean the substrate with a gravel vacuum to remove waste.

Testing Water Parameters

  • Use a water test kit to monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels.
  • Ideal Levels:
    • Ammonia: 0 ppm
    • Nitrite: 0 ppm
    • Nitrate: <20 ppm (keep under 10 ppm for optimal health)

Disease Prevention

  • Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks before introducing them to the main tank.
  • Look out for signs of illness (e.g., white spots, clamped fins, lethargy) and treat promptly with appropriate medications.

4. Breeding Guppies

Breeding Setup

  • Separate Tank: Use a 5-10 gallon breeding tank with sponge filtration and dense plants.
  • Conditioning: Feed live/frozen foods to enhance fertility.
  • Gestation Period: 21-30 days (females develop a dark "gravid spot" near the anal fin).

Caring for Fry

  • Separate Fry: Move pregnant females to a breeding box or net to protect fry from being eaten.
  • Food for Fry: Offer infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or crushed flake food.
  • Growth Rate: Fry grow rapidly and can be moved to a larger tank after 4-6 weeks.

5. Common Issues & Solutions

Issue

Cause

Solution

Fin Rot

Poor water quality

Improve filtration, perform water changes, and use antibiotics if needed.

Ich (White Spot)

Stress or poor water conditions

Raise temperature to 86°F (30°C) for 3-5 days or use ich medication.

Swim Bladder Disorder

Overfeeding or constipation

Fast for 1-2 days, then feed peas or live food.

Aggression

Overcrowding or lack of hiding spots

Increase tank size, add plants, or separate aggressive fish.

6. Conclusion

Guppies are hardy, colorful, and rewarding fish to keep. By maintaining stable water conditions, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring proper tank setup, you can enjoy these lively fish for years. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, guppies are a fantastic addition to any freshwater aquarium.