Guppy Trouble

[lynnathon]

Hello.

We bought 3 female Guppies and 1 male Guppy on Sunday. They are in the Q tank - the water parameters are

Nitrite - 0
Ammonia - 0 (there was an ammonia spike yesterday, it went up to 0.25, I did a water change and it is back down to 0)
Nitrate 40
ph 8

We have hard water.

One of the females had fry yesterday (our first fish babies!) which was very exciting and involved a quick dash to get a heater for a little 15l tank to stop them becoming food, there are about 25 altogether )

My problem/question is to do with our male - he was lively and busy on Sunday and yesterday, he stopped being so lively last night - hence the water check and water change. He is still sluggish, he is hovering quite near the top of the tank, not gasping just sitting there.

The females are busy swimming ding their Guppy thing and they seem to be taking it in turns to sit at the top with him - is this usual behaviour?

I can't see any spots or marks on him and he ate when I fed them this morning.

Any ideas?

thanks

Lynn

 

[jollysue]

Have you tried posting in the guppy/livebearer section?

I have some guppies, but I am not an expert and can't really help you.

 

[OldMan47]

Hi Lynn and welcome. You have not given us many clues. How big is your Q tank? What temperature are you keeping the tank? What kind of filtration are you using?
Some possibilities include having the tank too warm, guppies are best in the mid 70s although some people will keep them as high as 80. Water that is high in ammonia or nitrites will stress your fish. The nitrites could be rising again after the water change due to the fish load if the tank's not fully cycled. It could be as simple as no swimming room if the tank isn't very big.

 

[lynnathon]

Hi Lynn and welcome. You have not given us many clues. How big is your Q tank? What temperature are you keeping the tank? What kind of filtration are you using?
Some possibilities include having the tank too warm, guppies are best in the mid 70s although some people will keep them as high as 80. Water that is high in ammonia or nitrites will stress your fish. The nitrites could be rising again after the water change due to the fish load if the tank's not fully cycled. It could be as simple as no swimming room if the tank isn't very big.

Sorry....

It is a 35l tank, has an internal filter with sponge, carbon and ceramic hoop things.

Tank is at 24 degrees / 75 f

There are a few plants in there mainly pond weed type stuff and some java moss that is anchored onto a decor log.

Ammonia and nitrites are at 0 I have tested them with both Essa dip sticks and API freshwater test bottles/test tubes and dropper combo.

He is still at the top, females are nosing about in the gravel, going through the hollow (plastic) decor log.

Hope that helps

Lynn

 

[OldMan47]

Lynn, I'd keep a close eye on him. It sounds like your water is fine for a guppy and you are likely not overstocked with only 4 guppies in a 10 gallon tank. It is starting to sound like you may have just gotten a guppy who is not very healthy. That's only a problem if he is carrying something that the others can get so keep a close eye on him.