Guppy grass is one of those plants that quietly solves multiple guppy problems at once: it improves fry survival, polishes water, and gives nervous fish somewhere to decompress. In Australia, it’s also popular because it tolerates typical neutral-to-alkaline tap water and doesn’t require CO₂ or fancy fertiliser routines.
What guppy grass actually does in a guppy tank
- Fry protection: its fine, tangled structure creates a “maze” that adult guppies struggle to hunt through.
- Water polishing: fast growth means it absorbs nitrates and dissolved organics that would otherwise feed algae.
- Stress reduction: guppies behave calmer when they have cover to break line of sight.
How to add it without creating a messy tank
The biggest complaint about guppy grass is that it can look like a green mop if you let it take over. The trick is to give it a defined zone instead of scattering it everywhere.
- Choose one corner: keep a clear swim lane through the centre so fish still display and feed confidently.
- Let it float or anchor it: floating tangles work best for fry cover; anchoring (lightly) makes the tank look tidier.
- Trim weekly: pinch off long runners and remove old, shaded strands so the clump stays bright and clean.
Lighting and growth
Guppy grass grows in low to moderate light, but it will grow faster under stronger light. Faster growth is great for nutrient uptake, but it also means you need to trim more often. If you’re fighting algae, don’t “blast the light” to grow plants; instead, keep light to 6–8 hours and let steady growth win over time.
Feeding fry around guppy grass
Fry hide in guppy grass, so you want food to reach that zone without dumping piles that rot. Sprinkle powdered fry food in a gentle “rain” over the plant area, and rotate in baby brine shrimp when possible. Small meals, more often, beats big feeds that foul the water.
Common mistakes
- Letting it trap detritus: in low-flow corners, debris can build under dense plants. During water changes, gently lift and swish the clump in old tank water.
- Over-trimming at once: removing too much plant mass suddenly can swing nutrients and trigger algae. Trim gradually.
- No surface oxygen space: if you use floaters plus guppy grass, keep an open patch of surface so gas exchange stays strong.
If you want a simple, low-tech way to increase fry survival and calm a busy tank, guppy grass is hard to beat. If you’re unsure how much to use for your tank size, message us with your litres and stock count and we’ll suggest a setup that stays tidy.
