Guppies

[pierre_john]

Hello, just wanting information on guppies. We have been trying to keep them in our aquariums but in two locations locally we cannot keep these guys alive. Could you give us some insight. I read the summary but the PH said that it was soft. Our PH is averages 6.8 to 7.5. Any suggestions?

We have tried the average guppies and the fancy guppies and there is nothing hardy about keeping them here??? Can you help? HOw many can one keep in a 10 g, 20 g, 33 g

Thanks so much.

[Roland]

For an online calculation of stocking levels, try this web site -
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/tools.php

It also has a few other useful calcultors.

Ive had similar experiences with guppies. Certainly the majority of the ones available in the UK are very weak and listless - not at all the hardy fish they once were. I put it down to years and years of inbreeding - either in order to create new colour strains, or just inexperience of newcomers mating siblings, brood after brood.

I once asked my local pet store if they could get me some wild caught guppies (hardier with less intence or full colouration) and the guy looked at me like I was nuts...... 'WILD caught you say...?!'. Its a pity they are not readily available as the wild ones I saw when I was in Thailand were beautifull and vibrant, and appeared EVERYWHERE - Ponds, water features, floating plant bowls - obviously to keep the mozzy pop down.

Are you a member of a local fish club? Thats a good way of getting quality, local, tank bred fish.

As long as you are avoiding ph and temp extremes, a 'healthy' guppy should be fine.

;)

[125gJoe]

Guppies don't like heavy water currents. Calm waters are good for them.. Hope this helps you out.. :)

[Cichlid Woman]

I noticed a pretty wide swing on pH in your post--is that within one tank, or are the different tanks carrying different, but stable, pHs?

I ask because big pH swings can take out any fish ...

-- Pat

[pierre_john]

The PH range is from my community to a close by community that my friend lives in. But...both of us have had no luck keeping guppies alive. My PH is 7.5......

[rockhead44]

Here is a couple of guppy pages you might want to take a look at. http://members.aol.com/fancyguppy/index.htm http://members.tripod.com/~PPGA/ http://www.guppyalternative.com/ Good luck with the next batch!