How to Start a Guppy Tank

Guppies are small, freshwater fish that are commonly found in pet stores and sold as aquarium fish. They are typically well-suited for isolated or shared aquariums as they are peaceful, though nipping is sometimes observed between competing males. Guppies also tend to continually breed so care should be taken to select same sex fish when you wish to control the population within an aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Powered water filter
  • Powered head lighting
  • Heater (for cold weather only)
  • Aquarium gravel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your tank in an appropriate location. The spot should be away from doors, out of direct sunlight and far from heat sources such as heaters and radiators of any kind. The tank must also be positioned near a wall outlet to power the water filter, heater and lighting. Ensure that the floor is level.

    • 2

      Rinse the gravel thoroughly in warm water, then place it in the tank before anything else.

    • 3

      Fill the tank about one-third of the way to the top, then place any decorations you want to add such as stones or statues.

    • 4

      Finish filling the tank to the top. Install the water filter, overhead lighting and heater as per manufacturer's instructions. Turn all of the equipment on and make sure everything is working normally.

    • 5

      Allow the water filter to run in the empty tank for three to five days, turning the overhead light on and off at appropriate times each day. This allows the tank to "mature" and stabilize, which will allow the fish to more easily adapt to the environment. The maturation time also allows beneficial bacteria to grow in the tank.

    • 6

      Add only a few guppies to the tank to start. Allow the tank to adjust to the presence of the fish for two to three weeks, making sure to keep the tank clean and the fish properly fed.

    • 7

      Add several more guppies to the tank and allow the tank to again sit for about two weeks before adding more fish. Continue this process until you reach the desired number of fish or the maximum number of fish supported by your tank.