How to Care for Guppies in a 10 Gallon Tank

Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. Noted for their colorful patterns, it is said that no two guppies are alike. These small fish live in clear tropical waters in the wild. They are members of the Poeciliidae family and are related to the pike. Best kept in groups of five to 10 fish, guppies are cheap, relatively easy to take care of and enjoyable to watch as they swim.

Things You'll Need

  • Black paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Inside box filter
  • Air pump
  • Filter medium
  • Fish net
  • Toothbrush
  • Siphon
  • Dry fish food
  • Live fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Paint the outside bottom of the tank black. Set up the tank with an inside box filter powered by an air pump. Do not use a charcoal filter, gravel or plants: Guppies prefer to rest on a clear, smooth bottom at night.

    • 2

      Feed adult guppies two to three times a day. Fry or baby guppies should be fed several times a day for good growth. Alternate feeding them a high-quality dry food and live food to keep your fish at their optimum health. Use brine shrimp, micro worms, mosquito larvae, infusoria, glass worms, wingless fruit flies, white worms, blood worms and earthworms as live food.

    • 3

      Clean your aquarium at least once a month or when the water appears dirty. Clean out box filters and save the bottom third of the floss or filter medium and insert it between new floss to help seed the new floss with good bacteria. Use a toothbrush to clean filter tubes and slots. Sterilize nets and any durable aquarium accessories with boiling water. Siphon at least a third of the water and replace it with lukewarm fresh water.