Instructions
Use an aquarium tank of at least 20 gallons in capacity. A rough rule of thumb for tropical freshwater fish is to provide one gallon of water per inch of fish length. However, because guppies and swordtails breed prolifically, you may need a larger tank if you want to raise the fry to adulthood.
Maintain a water pH that is neutral to slightly alkaline. This mimics the conditions where swordfish and guppies are found in the wild.
Harden the water by adding ingredients such as crushed oyster shell to the tank if your aquarium water is naturally soft. Guppies and swordtails in the wild live in hard water. However, test frequently to ensure that the water is not becoming too hard and alkaline. A stable tank is more important than a tank where pH and water hardness go through dramatic swings.
Keep the water at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Guppies and swordtails are tolerant of higher water temperatures, but warmer water holds less oxygen than cooler water.
Add live plants as cover for fry. Guppies and swordtails will eat their young, but dense growth provides a hiding place for small fish. Some aquarium plants that are good for this purpose include ambulia, elodea (also called anacharis) and java moss.
How to Get a Perfect Aquarium for Swordtails & Guppies
Lively and colorful, swordtails and guppies are popular choices for freshwater aquariums. Guppies are slim-bodied fish that grow to about 2 inches long. They have bright colors and attractive fin shapes. Swordtails, often found in coloration of deep orange or red, grow to about 4 inches long. They get their name because the bottom ray of the caudal, or tail, fin extends from the rest of the tail like a sword. Both guppies and swordtails are livebearer fish. The female carries fertilized eggs in her abdomen and the fry exit through an abdominal opening when hatch. Guppies and swordtails are peaceful toward other fish and share some of the same requirements to thrive.