Here are key tips for caring for guppies, covering their living environment, feeding, breeding, and more:
I. Basic Living Environment
Tank Setup
A minimum of 10 liters of water is recommended; a bare tank or one equipped with a sponge filter works best.
Avoid strong water flow equipment—calm water is better for guppies to rest.
You can add non-rotting aquatic plants like Vallisneria or Java Moss to provide hiding spots.
Water Quality Management
Keep the water temperature between 22–28°C (24–26°C is recommended during the breeding period).
Change 1/3 of the water weekly; new water should be left to sit for 2–3 days to remove chlorine.
Maintain a pH level of 7.0–8.0, which can be adjusted using coral fragments.
II. Feeding Tips
Feeding Strategies for Different Stages
Fry (0–1 month): Feed brine shrimp nauplii or powdered food 3–5 times a day.
Juveniles (1–4 months): A combination of fish food and brine shrimp, fed 3 times a day.
Adults (4+ months): Feed twice a day, avoiding overfeeding to prevent obesity.
Notes
Live food (such as bloodworms) must be disinfected to prevent enteritis.
Remove leftover food promptly to avoid water quality deterioration.
III. Health and Breeding
Disease Prevention
New fish should be quarantined before being added to the main tank to prevent cross-infection.
A temperature difference exceeding 2°C can cause stress; handle water changes slowly.
Breeding Management
Signs that a female is about to give birth: a square-shaped swollen abdomen and a darkened gravid spot.
Isolate the female immediately after giving birth and provide high-protein food to help her regain strength.
IV. Common Mistakes
Over-cleaning: Frequent cleaning of filter media can disrupt the nitrifying bacteria system.
High temperature risks: Sustained water temperatures above 32°C may cause rapid breathing.
Tank-mixing issues: Too many male fish will chase females, potentially leading to premature birth.
By following these methods, you can effectively improve the survival rate and breeding success of guppies. For a more detailed guide on specific operations, refer to relevant video tutorials.