Most guppy problems aren’t “mystery diseases” — they’re stability problems. A stable tank keeps guppies colourful, active, and breeding reliably. This setup plan is designed for typical Australian tap water and low-to-moderate effort maintenance.
Step 1: choose a size that stays stable
Small tanks swing faster. A 40–60L tank is a sweet spot: easier to keep stable temperature, more dilution for waste, and better swimming space for fancy tails. If you go smaller, plan tighter feeding and more consistent water changes.
Step 2: filter choice and flow
Guppies love oxygen but don’t love strong current (especially long tails). A sponge filter is ideal: gentle intake, high biological capacity, and fry-safe. If you use a hang-on-back filter, baffle the outlet so the tank has even movement, not a river current.
Step 3: cycle the tank properly
Cycling means building bacteria that convert ammonia into safer nitrate. The tank is “ready” when ammonia and nitrite read 0 consistently.
- Run the filter and heater (24–26°C) for stability.
- Add a small ammonia source (fish food pinch every few days is fine).
- Test until you see ammonia rise then fall, nitrite rise then fall.
- When both are 0 for several days (with feeding), you’re ready to stock lightly.
If your KH is very low, pH can swing and slow cycling. Stable pH helps bacteria grow.
Step 4: add cover and plant support
Plants reduce stress and improve stability by absorbing nutrients. You don’t need a “high-tech planted tank”. A dense plant corner plus a clear swim lane keeps the tank tidy and functional. Floating plants also reduce harsh light and help with algae control.
Step 5: match Australian water (without chasing numbers)
- Dechlorinate every time (chloramine is common).
- Stability first: don’t chase pH daily; keep KH steady so pH doesn’t swing.
- Temperature: 24–26°C keeps appetite and fertility consistent.
Step 6: stock slowly and build confidence
Start with a small group, feed lightly, and test weekly. If you see ammonia or nitrite above 0, do a 30% water change and reduce feeding until the filter catches up. Add more fish gradually so the biofilter adjusts smoothly.
A simple weekly routine
Test, change 20–30% water, rinse sponge media in old tank water, and trim plants. Consistent small actions beat rare “deep cleans”. A stable routine is the foundation of long-lived, high-colour guppies.
