Guppy Care (above)
Guppies are quick and easy to care for tropical fish (often called 'rainbow' or 'million' fish) The wild guppies are a dull brown or grey, though their pet cousins are wonderfully coloured, from fluro orange to a shimmering violet. There are many types of guppy to choose from, the most colourful breeds being the most popular choice. These fish must be bought as all females or all males - unless you want to end up with over one hundred fish!
These fish will eat a good range of foods, and being vegetarians they love to snack on plants (which is vital for their health) You can feed them greens by providing them with tank plants that are suitable and they will often eat finely cut vegetables such as peas or cucumber. Of course they will need a specially formulated food from a pet shop as well; 'tetra flakes' and some 'fancy guppy' food is recommended as it is balanced and full of nutrition (other community fish will also benefit from a tetra diet)
The PH levels for a guppy aquarium ranges from 6.8 to 7.8, the water from your tap is usually 7.0. The water temperature should not get below room temperature as they are tropical fish. Half the tanks water should be changed once a week and a thorough clean of the tank and filter should take place every month. You shouldn't ever get out all of the tank's water as there are beneficial bacteria in there that will help 'age' the new water. A suitable tank size is 20L for seven guppies, or four guppies with three other species of a similar size. Aquatic plants should always be included in a tank - just make sure you buy them from a pet shop or aquarium.
Guppy Care Routine :
Daily - feed guppies and check that filter is working, also check that aquatic plants are good too
Weekly - change half of your tank's water, test PH levels and make any water chemistry corrections
Monthly - replace filter wool and carbon, do a thorough clean out of the tank (leave some of the old water though)
Yearly - replace any broken or ageing materials
These fish will eat a good range of foods, and being vegetarians they love to snack on plants (which is vital for their health) You can feed them greens by providing them with tank plants that are suitable and they will often eat finely cut vegetables such as peas or cucumber. Of course they will need a specially formulated food from a pet shop as well; 'tetra flakes' and some 'fancy guppy' food is recommended as it is balanced and full of nutrition (other community fish will also benefit from a tetra diet)
The PH levels for a guppy aquarium ranges from 6.8 to 7.8, the water from your tap is usually 7.0. The water temperature should not get below room temperature as they are tropical fish. Half the tanks water should be changed once a week and a thorough clean of the tank and filter should take place every month. You shouldn't ever get out all of the tank's water as there are beneficial bacteria in there that will help 'age' the new water. A suitable tank size is 20L for seven guppies, or four guppies with three other species of a similar size. Aquatic plants should always be included in a tank - just make sure you buy them from a pet shop or aquarium.
Guppy Care Routine :
Daily - feed guppies and check that filter is working, also check that aquatic plants are good too
Weekly - change half of your tank's water, test PH levels and make any water chemistry corrections
Monthly - replace filter wool and carbon, do a thorough clean out of the tank (leave some of the old water though)
Yearly - replace any broken or ageing materials
Balloon Molly Care
Mollies are more harder to care for than guppies but if you choose a good breed like the balloon molly you will find them very enjoyable to keep. When choosing a ballon molly get the ones with well rounded stomachs, lively temperaments, good rich colouring with no white lumps (disease) and a good size, avoid the smaller fish in the tank. Balloon mollies come in many colours and shades, black, white, orange, yellow and specked black and white is most usual.
Mollies are always hungry so do not be tempted to feed them more than what your formulated fish food recommends. A balanced tetra tropical flake is a good choice, finely cut vegetables such as peas and cucumber can also be provided to the fish as a snack. You should feed your fish twice a day - the appropriate amount each session.
Water PH for mollies range from 7.0 to 8.0, mollies are more sensitive to PH than most fish, showing signs of wrong PH levels by swimming on the spot. The required tank size for five mollies is about 20L or you can keep four other fish of the same size with three mollies. Aquatic plants are needed for the fish and should be bought at a pet shop. Good healthy plants that won't grow too big are ideal. Not only do these plants provide the fish with a nutritious snack but they also give the fish oxygen to breath - very important!
Molly Care Routine :
Daily - feed mollies twice a day, check filter is working and check on plants
Weekly - change half your tank's water, test PH levels and make any water chemistry adjustments that are required
Monthly - replace filter wool and carbon, thoroughly clean out tank (making sure to leave a bit of the old water to 'age' the new water)
Yearly - replace all old or damaged equipment in the tank
Mollies are always hungry so do not be tempted to feed them more than what your formulated fish food recommends. A balanced tetra tropical flake is a good choice, finely cut vegetables such as peas and cucumber can also be provided to the fish as a snack. You should feed your fish twice a day - the appropriate amount each session.
Water PH for mollies range from 7.0 to 8.0, mollies are more sensitive to PH than most fish, showing signs of wrong PH levels by swimming on the spot. The required tank size for five mollies is about 20L or you can keep four other fish of the same size with three mollies. Aquatic plants are needed for the fish and should be bought at a pet shop. Good healthy plants that won't grow too big are ideal. Not only do these plants provide the fish with a nutritious snack but they also give the fish oxygen to breath - very important!
Molly Care Routine :
Daily - feed mollies twice a day, check filter is working and check on plants
Weekly - change half your tank's water, test PH levels and make any water chemistry adjustments that are required
Monthly - replace filter wool and carbon, thoroughly clean out tank (making sure to leave a bit of the old water to 'age' the new water)
Yearly - replace all old or damaged equipment in the tank