A Beginners Guide to Guppies: The Rainbow of Your Aquarium

Hello, fellow fish enthusiasts! Today we're swimming into the realm of the humble yet vibrant Guppy. As experienced aquarists, we've seen my fair share of fish species, and we can confidently say that Guppies are one of the most accessible and captivating species for novices and seasoned keepers alike.

The Ideal Guppy Habitat:

Guppies are not picky about their environment, but they appreciate some swimming room. A 40-litre tank is a good starting point for a small group of Guppies, but a bigger tank is always better if you can accommodate it.

These little fellas appreciate a bit of green in their home, so consider adding plants. They can be live ones like Java Moss or Anubias, or artificial if you're worried about maintenance. Add in some hiding spots like caves or driftwood for a homely touch.

Water Parameters for Guppies:

Guppies are tropical freshwater fish that prefer slightly warm and alkaline water. Here's what you need to aim for:

• Temperature: A cozy range for Guppies is between 24-28 degrees Celsius .
• pH: They do well in a pH range between 7.0 and 8.0.
• Hardness: They're flexible here, but a general hardness (GH) between 7-12 dGH is about right.

Remember to use a good quality water test kit to keep track of these parameters, especially when setting up your new tank.

Guppies' Diet:

Guppies are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Regularly feed them a high-quality flake or pellet food, but consider mixing it up with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms. It's essential not to overfeed them, as it can lead to water quality issues. A good rule of thumb is to feed them what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. We recommend the Ultra Fresh Royal Guppy.

Choosing Tank Mates:

Being peaceful by nature, Guppies get along well with other non-aggressive fish. Compatible tank mates include Corydoras Catfish, small species of Tetras, and Mollies. Avoid housing them with larger or more aggressive fish that may bully or eat them.

A Note on Breeding:

Guppies, much like their livebearer cousins the Platies, have a reputation for breeding rapidly in your tank. They give birth to live young (fry) rather than laying eggs. If you have both males and females in your tank, be prepared for the potential arrival of baby Guppies. To manage their population, consider keeping a single sex or have a plan in place to handle the offspring.

In a nutshell, Guppies are an excellent choice for beginners due to their hardiness, diverse colour range, and peaceful nature. Their easy care requirements and active behaviours make them a pleasure to keep and a highlight in your home aquarium. Dive in and enjoy your aquarist journey!