Q&A for How to Keep Guppies Healthy

Change the water. Algae is the result of light and nutrients in the water. It doesn't even need a surface to start growing. The cheapest and the easiest way to reduce the algae in your tank in most situations is through water changes. A system like a protein skimmer can also remove compounds from your aquarium, as it eliminates things like food and fish poop from the water.

For hobbyists, I would advocate a watch and wait approach. Put it in a hospital tank, meaning a bare bones tank with a simple filter and simplistic decor, and wait for a period of time. Research online for possible disease symptoms you may notice and do your best for treatment. Don't add the fish back to the system until it has been healthy for a period of 30 days straight.

On the contrary, live plants make the water healthier for them. The more live plants, the better. The plants provide hiding places and help filter the water.

A pregnant guppy needs food and a separate container to keep the fish fry away from other adults in the tank.

Because giving birth stretches their skin, so it goes pale for a while afterwards.

Yes they do. Remember to keep a ratio of one male guppy for every 2-3 female guppies.

There will be a dark gravid spot near her anal fin. Female guppies will almost always be pregnant, especially from pet stores, even if they are separated.

Definitely not. Use water conditioner to get rid of the chlorine, then they will be fine.

Between 2-200, depending on the size of the female guppy and how many times she's been pregnant.

Male guppies are always in competition when there is another male present in the same tank. Try to limit it to 1 male guppy per 1 square foot area.

Start with one male and 3-4 females, and let them populate the tank. Make lots of hiding spaces for fry to hide.

It's usually the male chasing the female.

Yes, but it's possible they will mate.

Yes, all have the same needs in regards to aquarium temperature, plants, etc. Just be sure to have a large enough tank to accommodate them all as you don't want them to fight.

Female guppies can live for up to two years, while male guppies only live for 6 months to a year. This is why the males are so desperate to mate; they want to pass on their genes before they themselves pass on.

No worries, an air stone will provide all the necessary oxygen, but maybe turn it up to medium if the tank is overstocked.

Yes, but be sure to perform partial water changes at least once per week. It is, of course, better to provide aeration.

Yes, they may live together and eat the same food.

Do water tests to ensure that your water is optimal, have the right temperature, use proper filtration systems, enough oxygen, do not overfeed them, and do regular water changes. Feed them good food (try blood worms and shrimp).

Freshwater is best because guppies are freshwater fish.

Gouramis are semi-aggressive (depending on personality) labyrinth fish. Your tank should be at least 10 gallons with many hiding spots. Yes, gouramis are territorial, and demand respect (they can be rather sassy). They will chase guppies, which stresses the guppies out.

As long as a proper 70-75 degree temperature is maintained in the tank, they should be okay.

You should consult your local pet shop experts to find out for your specific guppy fry.

Guppies can handle anything from 6.8 - 7.8 (7.0 is ideal). Ammonia, the number one fish killer, is caused by overcrowding, overfeeding, poor water conditions or lack of oxygen in the water. It is especially important to monitor the ammonia level in new setups.

When putting fresh water into the tank, the already-cycled water will mix with the fresh water. You don't have to do anything prior to adding the fresh water. However, if you want to add Aqua-safe (which is for cleaning and de-chlorination), then you may do so, but it isn't necessary.

They probably could, but it would not be a pleasant environment for the fish. It would also require much more frequent tank cleanings.

Since guppies are tropical fish, no. The water temperature must be 72-78 F.

The darkening in color could be due to a bacterial infection called hemorrhagic septicemia. Quarantine the fish and treat it with antibiotics, available at your local aquarium store.

Use a gravel vac and do water changes to get the harmful stuff out of the tank. Do a 25% water change about once a week, and wipe down the inside of your tank with some poly fiber.

If you have the fry in the same tank, it's highly recommended to use a tank divider to keep the fry away from the older fish. Sometimes, the guppies do tend to eat the fry.