Guppy questions

[KeddyPie]

I've decided to move my betta out of my community tank, simply because the thought that one day I might end up with a dead fish even though he's seemingly peaceful is driving me crazy...

In his place, I was thinking of getting a few guppies... I adore guppies, but did not even have a chance to consider them what with my betta... Now I get to at very least consider ^___^ But I'm still not sure if they are good in community tanks.

In my 20 gallon with 2 Dojo loaches and 4 very peaceful bloodfin tetras (who are not nippy), would it be ok to have a pair or trio of guppies? I am not concerned about breeding, and just wondering about compatibility right now.

I'd love to get 2 males and just 2 males... Would they fight, would they get along? If that is not an option, I would like to get 1 male and 1 female, of 2 complety different varieties (my local fish stop has every variety I can think of, I've fallen in love with more than one!) I'm just curious if they could work in a community tank, and if so, with what they may work with.

My fish store has some absolutly brillian bright lemon yellow guppies with black spots... I'd love one of those boys!

Thanks, Katy

Also, any good links on guppy compatibility, breeding, and things like that would be accepted ^___^

 

[Annastasia]

2 males is a no-no. One male will be dominant, and constantly harrass the other one. You need at least 5 males for this to work, more is better. And also, 1 male and 1 female is a no-no for the same reason...the one male will harrass the female, sometimes to death. The Guppies should work in that tank, though, provided the Tetras you have are not nippy at all.

And here's a post I wrote, it talks about all common Livebearers, but most everything applies to Guppies too.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=88729

Hope this answers your questions!

 

[KeddyPie]

Thanks! That helps

So, I'll need at least 4 or 5 guppies, with more females than males, correct? Or, will it work with only males? I'd rather not have more than 1-2 females... Babies aren't a big problem if they occur, but I don't think I can handle 300-400 of them!

Would 2 males and 2 females be ok, or do I NEED to have more females than males? I could try for 2 males and 3 females... I really want a male, or 2 is possible Though I love the females too, the males coloring is just astounding.

I haven't had guppies since I was 10, and it was a very bad experience. I'm excited about the thought of more, and having it be a POSITIVE experience!

-Katy

 

[Annastasia]

If you have at least 5, you can have just males. You NEED to have at least 2-3 females per male, otherwise you will have stress problems, and the females could even die, and you can have aggression problems with the males. Or, you could have whatever number you want if you have just females.

 

[KeddyPie]

Ok, thank Sorry for being such a n00b. If my tank space permits, which I'm not sure of, I'll get 5 males... It also makes it easier on me to not feel bad about the babies being fed to my betta ^^ Though, I might consider getting 2 males and 4 females... Not POSITIVE... I'll figure it out when I'm there, what feels best. Thanks!