These wee 2- to 2.5-inch South American swimming wonders have long been welcome in the aquarium world for their easygoing ways and the males' colorful appearance. As with other aquarium fish, guppies have specific temperature preferences that you can readily meet with a heater and thermometer.
Basics
Guppies reproduce handily, do not usually disturb other fish in community tanks and eagerly eat most of the foods they are offered -- flakes, freeze-dried, live and so forth. Guppies in their native habitats of Trinidad and Venezuela typically are deep yellowish-green in color. As pets they run the gamut, however, with diverse red, blue, silver and black specimens.
Optimal Temps
Keep guppies' water temperatures between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. These optimal water temperatures are similar to those of most tank fish. Aquarium residents generally succeed in temperatures that are in the range of 70 to 80 degrees. Datnoids and clown loaches like ultra-warm water above 80 though, while paradisefish prefer room temperature.
Range
Guppies can manage water temperatures on either side of their optimal 74 to 82 degree range. They can bear temperatures on the lower side of the 60s, indicates David A. Lass of the website FishChannel.com, up to the higher side of the 80s. Despite this, it is always better to keep guppies in their favorable range.
Other Needs
Temperature isn't the only water-related concern for aquarium guppies. It is also crucial to take the pH of water into consideration. Guppies tend to react positively to pH levels of roughly 7.0. They also appreciate medium-hardness of their H20, but hard water doesn't usually pose a problem for them, either. Good water filtration and frequent changes also essential for keeping guppies strong and alert. Examine the condition of your guppies' water weekly.
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