Guppies prefer stable, mineral-rich water. Use this cheat sheet when testing your local supply.
Targets that work here
- Temperature: 24–26°C. Lower than 22°C slows appetite; higher than 28°C shortens lifespan.
- pH: 7.0–7.8. Stability beats chasing exact numbers.
- GH (hardness): 8–14 dGH supports colour, fertility, and fry development.
- KH (buffer): 3–6 dKH prevents pH swings between water changes.
How to adjust gently
- Raise KH: a small bag of crushed coral in the filter adds buffering over days.
- Lower pH safely: more plants and driftwood, plus smaller, frequent water changes.
- Soft water issue: remineralise with a measured portion of Rift Lake salts if KH/GH test below 2.
Always pre-condition new water and match temperature before a change. That single habit prevents most colour loss and tail clamping.