What is the easiest tropical fish to keep? This Is!

If you are looking for a low-maintenance and colorful addition to your aquarium, the guppy is the easiest tropical fish to keep. Guppies are hardy, adaptable, and peaceful fish that can thrive in a variety of water conditions and tank sizes. They also come in many different colors and patterns, making them a delight to watch. In this article, we will explore why guppies are the ideal choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike, and how to care for them properly.

Why are guppies easy to keep?

Guppies are easy to keep for several reasons. First, they are very tolerant of different water parameters, such as temperature, pH, and hardness. They can live in water temperatures ranging from 68°F to 82°F, and they can adapt to different levels of acidity and alkalinity. They are also not very picky about the water quality, as long as it is not too polluted or dirty. However, it is still recommended to perform regular water changes and use a filter to keep the water clean and healthy.

Second, guppies are not aggressive or territorial fish. They are peaceful and social, and they can get along well with other guppies and similar-sized fish. They are also not fin-nippers, which means they will not damage the fins of other fish. They are suitable for community tanks, as long as they are not kept with larger or predatory fish that might eat them. Some good tank mates for guppies are tetras, mollies, platies, swordtails, and corydoras.

Third, guppies are easy to feed and breed. They are omnivorous, which means they can eat both plant and animal matter. They will readily accept a variety of foods, such as flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods. They are also not prone to overeating, so you do not have to worry about them getting obese or sick. Guppies are also prolific breeders, and they can reproduce quickly and easily. They are livebearers, which means they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. The female guppy can produce up to 50 fry every month, and the fry are born fully developed and ready to swim. You do not need any special equipment or conditions to breed guppies, but you might want to provide some hiding places for the fry to avoid being eaten by the adults or other fish.

See also  Do Fish Like Darkness in Aquarium? What to Expect

How to care for guppies?

Guppies are easy to care for, but they still need some basic requirements to stay healthy and happy. Here are some tips on how to care for guppies:

  • Tank size: Guppies are small fish, but they are also active and social. They need enough space to swim and interact with each other. The minimum tank size for guppies is 10 gallons, but the bigger the better. You should also avoid overcrowding the tank, as this can lead to stress, disease, and poor water quality. A general rule of thumb is to keep one inch of fish per gallon of water, but you might need more space if you have a lot of plants or decorations in the tank.
  • Tank setup: Guppies are not very demanding when it comes to the tank setup, but they do appreciate some plants and decorations to provide them with shelter and enrichment. You can use live or artificial plants, rocks, driftwood, caves, or ornaments to create a natural and attractive environment for your guppies. You should also use a gravel or sand substrate to cover the bottom of the tank, as this will help with the filtration and the growth of beneficial bacteria. You should also have a lid or cover on the tank to prevent your guppies from jumping out.
  • Water parameters: As mentioned earlier, guppies are tolerant of different water parameters, but they still prefer some optimal ranges for their health and comfort. You should aim to keep the water temperature between 72°F and 78°F, the pH between 6.8 and 7.8, and the hardness between 8 and 12 dGH. You should also monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in the water, as these can be harmful to your guppies if they are too high. You can use a test kit or a digital meter to check the water parameters regularly, and make adjustments if needed.
  • Water changes: Water changes are essential for maintaining the water quality and the health of your guppies. You should change about 25% of the water every week, or more often if the water is dirty or cloudy. You should also use a gravel vacuum or a siphon to remove any debris or waste from the substrate. When you add new water to the tank, make sure it is dechlorinated and has the same temperature and pH as the old water. You can use a water conditioner or a dechlorinator to remove any chlorine or chloramine from the tap water, and a thermometer and a pH meter to measure the temperature and pH of the water.
  • Filtration: Filtration is another important factor for keeping the water clean and healthy for your guppies. You should use a filter that is suitable for the size and type of your tank, and that has mechanical, biological, and chemical media. Mechanical media will trap any solid particles or debris from the water, biological media will host beneficial bacteria that will break down ammonia and nitrite into nitrate, and chemical media will remove any odors, colors, or toxins from the water. You should also clean the filter media regularly, but not all at once, as this can disrupt the bacterial balance in the filter. You can rinse the mechanical media with old tank water, replace the chemical media as needed, and leave the biological media alone unless it is clogged or damaged.
  • Lighting: Lighting is not very crucial for guppies, as they do not have any special light requirements. However, lighting can enhance the colors and the beauty of your guppies, as well as the plants and decorations in the tank. You should use a light that is appropriate for the size and depth of your tank, and that has a spectrum that is suitable for freshwater fish and plants. You should also have a regular day and night cycle for your guppies, as this will help them maintain their natural rhythms and behaviors. You can use a timer or a dimmer to control the lighting, and aim for about 10 to 12 hours of light per day.
See also  What is an Emergent Aquatic Plant? Explained

Conclusion

Guppies are the easiest tropical fish to keep, as they are hardy, adaptable, and peaceful. They can thrive in a variety of water conditions and tank sizes, and they can get along well with other fish. They are also easy to feed and breed, and they come in many different colors and patterns. Guppies are ideal for beginner and experienced aquarists alike, as long as they are provided with some basic care and requirements. If you are looking for a low-maintenance and colorful addition to your aquarium, you cannot go wrong with guppies.