How to Set Up a Guppy Breeding Station

Guppies are freshwater tropical fish, characterized by a slender body with males possessing a colorful fan-like tail. Their vivid colors add interest to any tank. These fish are easy to keep, care for and breed, and are often kept by enthusiasts. Guppies bear live young instead of laying eggs. However, special measures must be taken to protect the fry from being eaten by mature guppies and other fish in the tank. You can use a completely separate tank or breeding station to ensure their safety.

Things You'll Need

  • 2- to 5-gallon fish tank
  • Gravel
  • Sponge filter
  • Small heater
  • Dechlorination drops or tablets
  • 2 to 3 pairs of guppies
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a tank to be designated for breeding. A 2- to 5-gallon tank should be large enough for small-scale breeding purposes.

    • 2

      Wash the tank with warm soapy water. Use a mild non-toxic soap; liquid dish soap works fine. Whether the tank is new or previously used it can benefit from a quick cleaning. If it was previously used for fish, this will help you avoid spreading any unknown illness among your fish. If it is a new tank, washing will remove any residues left behind during the manufacturing process. Rinse thoroughly.

    • 3

      Fill your tank with approximately 2 inches of fish tank gravel. Rinse the gravel thoroughly prior to putting it in your tank. Color does not matter.

    • 4

      Install a filter. Any appropriately sized fish tank filter can work for this application but one of the better choices is a sponge filter. Because the water is filtered through a sponge your babies cannot be sucked into the filtration system. These filters are easy to install but are often overlooked because of their appearance. However, for the purposes of a breeding station, function is far more important than aesthetics.

    • 5

      Use a very small heater designed for a 2- to 5-gallon tank. Ordinarily, the temperature recommended for guppies is 65-68 degrees. However, for breeding purposes increase the temperature slightly to between 74 and 78 degrees. By utilizing a small heater you should be able to keep the water warm without overheating it.

    • 6

      Fill the tank to within 1 inch of the top rim of the tank. Treat the water to remove chemicals such as chlorine. This is usually done with drops or tablets available at any pet store that sells fish or even in the pet aisle at most grocery stores.

    • 7

      Allow the heater and filter to run at least 48 hours prior to placing you first fish in the tank. This allows the temperature to regulate and any particulates from the gravel to be filtered out.

    • 8

      Place 2 to 3 pairs of guppies in the new tank. Observe closely for pregnant females. After a female has given birth remove the adult fish from the tank to protect the fry from being eaten. Allow the young to mature before placing them in an established tank.