He's a few months old now, so he's like ALMOST an inch long. lol I have him in a plastic, purple vase with fake plants and some clear rocks. I change his water every week or so and put algae destroying stuff in and I feed him every other day. Do I need to get him a bubbler or plant for oxygen? Or are they like goldfish where they don't really need that? If so, can you suggest a good 'water plant'?
2006-12-19 01:04:31 · 5 answers · asked by dancing_with_patience 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
He does need some air!
It is not like a goldfish that can breathe from the surface.
As for a heat source, not necessary
2006-12-19 01:13:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Guppies should only be kept in a tank so that you can have a filter circulate the water and provide oxygen (ALL fish need a filter, or at the very least an air bubbler) and so you can have a heater b/c guppys are tropical fish, and the water must be between 72-82 degrees. Also, with tropical fish you need a gallon of water per inch of fish, so with a full-grown guppy you would need 1.5--2 gallons of water. They do sell this size tank at Petsmart if you wanted to move him to it, b/c then you could have the filter to cut down on your water changes and the heater.
If you are determined to keep him in the vase, you really should put an air pump with a bubble stone in the vase since you don't have a filter. Also you need to make sure you keep him somewhere very warm like near a lamp (even though the light will cause some algae) or near a heat vent. This still won't guarantee the water will stay in the correct temperature range, though. My suggestion is that you return the guppy to the pet store where you bought him, even if you don't get store credit--at least GIVE him back to them (you'll only be out $2-$3) so that he can have a home more suited to his needs. Then you should buy a betta fish. They cost $2--$5 but they don't require a heater, filter, bubbler or the usual gallon of water per inch of fish. This is b/c they are found in mud puddles in the wild and are adapted to these conditions.
As far as your plant goes, you should try Anacharis. It is a very hearty plant, inexpensive, and can also serve as a food source b/c all fish love to nibble on this plant. Also the plant will provide more oxygen to the fish. If you don't like the way the plant looks, you can really put in any plant you like b/c they all will provide oxygen, but the fish mainly like to eat Anacharis.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
2006-12-19 02:12:13 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your guppy needs a tank, a filter, and a heater.
No fish can live for long in a small vase. Bettas can manage for a year or so in a 1-2 gallons if the water is cleaned 2-3 times per week, but without proper filtration, ammonia builds up and it poisons the fish. Bettas can breathe air, but guppies can't; they need some sort of disturbance in the water to oxygenate the water.
Unlike bettas, though, guppies are active fish. They need a lot of swimming room, and you should have no smaller than a 10 gallon tank for guppies.
They also need heat; even if your room is 78F, the water will only be 68-70F. Much too cold for a guppy.
Consider getting a bigger tank. You can get a 10 gallon with heater, filter, etc, for 30$, used. Check local classifieds etc. And, you could have a few more guppies that way.
2006-12-19 01:36:40 · answer #3 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guppies really need filters and a heater. My guess is if you have him in a vase and attempt to put in a heater it will get to hot and he will cook. You should get him a 5 gal aquarium starter kit. It will have everything you need besides bubbles.
If you go with a real plant (they are good for water perimeters) Any Java plant is fun! Java moss can be tied to drift wood and looks great!
Also your changing all of his water and that can be stressful on the little guy.
I really suggest you getting him an aquarium and maybe a then you can add another guppy or two!
2006-12-19 01:38:02 · answer #4 · answered by angelmwilson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is like a goldfish in the way that they both need a real tank with a filter and since guppies are tropical he also needs a heater. If you would like your fish to live then I suggest learning how to take care of it, here is a good site to check out. http://guppies.com/
2006-12-19 01:23:37 · answer #5 · answered by Nunya Biznis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋