Guppy Beginner Guide

Beginner's Guide to Guppies

Guppies are one of the most popular fish for both novice and experienced aquarists. Their vibrant colors, active behavior, and ease of care make them a great choice for any freshwater aquarium.

If you have any questions about your specific setup, send us a photo and information about your setup to info@canadaguppies.com or on our Live Chat, and we will get back to you with what to change, if anything!

Plants and Decor: Guppies thrive in a well-planted tank. Include plants like guppy grass and Java moss, which provide excellent hiding places for fry and improve water quality. Adding plants and decor can also create an ideal environment for other aquarium inhabitants like snails and plecos, which help keep the tank clean by consuming algae and leftover food.

Filtration: A gentle filter is essential to maintain water quality without creating too much current, which guppies may struggle against.

Lighting: Moderate lighting is enough to support plant growth and keep your guppies happy.

3. Established vs. Cycled Tanks

Understanding the difference between an established and a cycled tank is crucial for the health of your guppies and other tank inhabitants.

Cycled Tank: A cycled tank refers to an aquarium where beneficial bacteria have developed in the filter and substrate, effectively breaking down harmful ammonia and nitrites into less harmful nitrates.

Established Tank: An established tank goes a step further than a cycled one. It has been running for several months or longer, with a mature ecosystem of beneficial bacteria, stable water parameters, and a balanced community of plants, and invertebrates. Established tanks are ideal for adding show quality guppies, which benefit from the stable environment.

Which One: An established tank is better for your guppies so that's what we recommend however a planted cycled aquarium is fine too!

4. Water Parameters and Quality

Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 74°F and 82°F (23°C to 28°C).

PH Levels: Guppies prefer a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0.

Water Hardness: They thrive in water with a general hardness (GH) of 8-12 dGH.

Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm and nitrate levels below 20 ppm. Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are key to maintaining water quality. Snails, such as Nerite or Mystery snails, can help by consuming leftover food and algae, reducing nitrate buildup and making maintenance easier.

5. Feeding Your Guppies

Diet: Guppies are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Feed them high-quality flake food, frozen or live brine shrimp, and daphnia. Brine shrimp are particularly beneficial, as they enhance color and growth in guppies. Additionally, consider keeping a small colony of live brine shrimp as a constant food source, which can also be fed to other tank mates.

Feeding Schedule: Feed small amounts twice a day. Only provide as much food as they can consume in 2-3 minutes to prevent overfeeding.

6. Tank Mates

Compatible Species: Choose peaceful tank mates like tetras, corydoras, and snails. Plecos are another excellent choice, as they are peaceful, help keep the tank clean by eating algae, and are great companions for guppies. Make sure to offer them sinking algae wafers to keep them healthy and active.

Avoid: Aggressive or large fish, as they may prey on guppies or outcompete them for food.

7. Breeding Guppies

Breeding Conditions: Guppies breed easily. Keep males and females together, and soon you'll notice the females growing rounder as they carry fry.

Identifying Gender: Males are more colourful with elongated, pointed anal fins, while females are larger and have rounder bellies.

Birth Process: Female guppies give birth to live fry. Provide plenty of hiding places for the fry, as adult guppies may eat them. Java moss and guppy grass are ideal for this, and you can also add breeding boxes to protect the fry.

8. Culling Guppies

Culling is essential if you want to maintain the quality of your guppy strain over the years. It involves removing guppies that do not meet your breeding standards, such as those with deformities, poor coloration, or weak health.

Why Cull: To preserve and improve the quality of your guppy strain, culling helps ensure that only the best traits are passed on. Over time, this practice maintains the overall health, vigour, and visual appeal of your guppies.
How to Cull: Simply remove the guppies that don't match the ideals for your strain. You can move them to a different tank, give them away, or humanely euthanize them if necessary.
Ethical Considerations: Always cull responsibly and humanely. If you choose to euthanize, use a method that minimizes suffering, such as clove oil.

9. Conclusion

Guppies are a rewarding addition to any aquarium and great to keep on their own as well. With proper care, they will thrive and bring colour and life to your tank. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful guppy keeper and breeder. Additionally, consider adding compatible species like snails, plecos, and keeping a steady supply of live brine shrimp to create a balanced and thriving ecosystem.

Happy breeding!

Guppy Beginner Guide

Beginner's Guide to Guppies

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Guppies

2. Setting Up Your Guppy Tank