I've decided

[Jennet]

After spending most of the afternoon reading about so many fish, my half a brain cell is slowly dribbling out of my ear. So, I have decided to go with mostly guppies, as I have always loved them and it seems one of the best options for me for the small tank I am currently cycling. I must admit, my jaw nearly hit the floor when I saw some of the specialised ones this afternoon, but I was always happy with watching my little pals waddle their way round their tank amongst the many other community fish I kept in the 70's. So will be going to my local supplier to get more plants and wood tomorrow. May I ask, I don't normally like false plants, but have sent for a little (supposedly safe) silicone plant that caught my eye. Has anyone else ever tried anything like this in their tanks? I have to say, I am a bit dubious.

 

[Innesfan]

No experience with artificial plants, but plenty with guppies. Given your self-described 'one small tank' may I suggest you get only males? Because guppies breed like---guppies. You and your tank will soon be overwhelmed if females are present.

 

[FattyFish]

No experience with artificial plants, but plenty with guppies. Given your self-described 'one small tank' may I suggest you get only males? Because guppies breed like---guppies. You and your tank will soon be overwhelmed if females are present.

I agree with male-only guppies. This is all I have in my main tank. Plus, there is nothing so upsetting as watching a female guppy being harassed for hours on end by a load of randy males.

 

[BigBurgassio]

Endlers the same breed rapidly , colorful male guppies cool to watch.

 

[JCinPA]

I've got guppies in a 10-gallon with fake plants, and they are fine. It was a learner tank for me and I did not want the complications of plants in addition to fish. Because the tank is so clean I think I'll forgo plants until I get a larger tank to play with.

I've not had any issues with plastic plants, but I do have a silk plant and I like that better. But the mix I have now is good looking and no-maintenance.

It is suggested that if you keep male guppies, like I do, you keep several to keep aggression down. I have four at the moment plus an endler, but I'm planning on adding two more. Apparently they are likely to squabble less in larger groups. And they are beautiful! I have a dumbo ear with flame orange tail, a blue, a yellow, and a "tequila sunrise". They are pretty fish!

 

[GaryE]

If you have always enjoyed guppies, then that's the fish for you. People complicate these questions as if they're obliged to look for exotic new fish - but what you love is what you need.

 

[Jennet]

Thanks Gary, once I get rid of my snake vivs I will get another aquarium, but in contrast to some of the sizes you have over there, it will still be relatively small.

 

[MattW]

Thanks Gary, once I get rid of my snake vivs I will get another aquarium, but in contrast to some of the sizes you have over there, it will still be relatively small.

If you get another aquarium, are you going for an all-in-one set? I've been to a couple of Maidenhead AQs recently, and a simple 40L aquarium kit is more than I paid for my 90L tank in Jan 2024

 

[Jennet]

If you get another aquarium, are you going for an all-in-one set? I've been to a couple of Maidenhead AQs recently, and a simple 40L aquarium kit is more than I paid for my 90L tank in Jan 2024

I am considering the possibility of getting one specifically made to fit a 1m x 50cm x 45cm then getting a lid made to fit. From one quote I've had so far from someone on ebay, its looking to be around £450. I do an awful lot of research before I make a decision though, so will post up a topic on here when I manage to get enough money together. I haven't even started to look at possibly selling my vivs yet though. I've got 2 Exo terra 45 cm x 45cm x 60 cm and 2 Exo Terra 30cm cubes. I do have a 65cm wide by 45cm height and depth that I separated off a water part at the front that I have kept Whites tree frogs in and then used for Fire Bellied toads. I am going to keep that, as I loved the fire bellied toads sliding down a log water chute that I put in for them. May just set that back up eventually.

 

[Back in the fold]

I agree with male-only guppies. This is all I have in my main tank. Plus, there is nothing so upsetting as watching a female guppy being harassed for hours on end by a load of randy males.

One of our erstwhile members once referred to them as “ randy little sods “ . That made me laugh and I’ll always call mine that .