Instructions
Set up your tank. Fish tanks come in many sizes, and not all are suitable for keeping fish. Platies and guppies generally do well in a tank that is 20 gallons or larger. Typically, the smaller the tank, the more difficult it is to maintain a proper environment. The larger the tank, the heavier it will be when filled. A stand designed to withstand the weight of the tank is required. Additionally you will need proper tank lighting, a heater, air pump and filtration system.
Prepare the water. Proper water chemistry and quality is vital for successfully keeping platies and guppies. A proper temperature is also necessary for these tropical fresh-water fish. Temperature must be kept consistent somewhere between 75 and 80 degrees. Water must first be de-chlorinated to remove harmful chemicals. You can do this by leaving the necessary amount of water out for a 48 hour period allowing chlorine to evaporate, or you can purchase water conditioning treatments that do so instantly and some also help to balance pH levels. Guppies and platies prefer hard water with a pH of 7.5 to 8.0, otherwise they are prone to fish diseases like finrot and fungus. A proper biocyle of good bacteria needs to be supported on the gravel bed of the aquarium. This is done with an under-gravel filtration system and helps to reduce ammonia levels in the tank. Ammonia occurs from fish waste as well as the deterioration of uneaten food. One pound of aquarium gravel should be used for each gallon of water. Gradually introduce one or two fish at a time, allowing time for adequate bacteria production to occur.
Feed the proper diet. Platies are herbivorous, while guppies tend to be omnivorous. Both require algae-based flake foods. Guppies also need meaty foods like freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex worms and brine shrimp. It is best to feed fish twice a day, but do not over-feed. Feed only a small pinch that will be eaten within a couple of minutes. Uneaten food adds to toxic ammonia levels in the tank.
Regularly clean the tank. Weekly or bi-weekly, remove about 10 percent of the tank's water capacity, and add clean, properly treated water. Make sure that the newly added water is the same temperature as the tank so as not to shock the fish. Wipe down the inside of the tank with an algae cleaning pad to remove excess algae build-up. You can purchase cleaning pads at most pet stores.
How to Care for a Platy Guppy
Home aquariums are a beautiful way to add tranquility and beauty to any room. However, properly maintaining an aquarium environment also requires several steps to be successful. Many aquarium hobbyists choose platy or guppy fish because they are colorful, attractive, and fairly easy to care for. Both platies and guppies are live-bearers, meaning they give birth to live fish called fry, rather than laying eggs. Platies and guppies have similar needs, and can be housed in the same aquarium environment, but are from different genus and will not cross breed with each other. If properly cared, both varieties have an average life expectancy of 5 to 7 years.