I have guppies!

**Flatcoatluver** · 11-16-2005, 05:54 PM

i really like all the names and don';t have any ideas, sorry.............

**jackie** · 11-16-2005, 06:19 PM

2.5 gallon is pretty small for guppies, and for neons too. The only thing I would recommend for a tank that size is a betta or shrimps/snails. Do you think your local pet store would let you exchange the guppies for a betta?

One of my favorite fish websites is Aqua Hobby you should check it out, it has so much great advice!

**jesse_3** · 11-16-2005, 09:40 PM

Sadly, they will not let me return them

They have a no return policy.

On the box that the aquarium came in, it said that you could have guppy's

It gave a few different fish that can live in there:
platy
cory catfish
guppies
goldfish
...and a couple of others that I don't remember.

Gal dang it, this is so complicated. I really don't know what to do

Steph and the gang

**bckrazy** · 11-17-2005, 12:53 AM

The rule is 1 inch of fish per 1 gallon, so that means you'd need at least a 10 gallon tank for all of the fish you want. A glass 10 gallon kit only costs $30 at Wal*Mart... that includes the tank, lighted hood and filter. You should invest in that so you can keep the fish you want (6 guppies and 3 or so neons) comfortable and happy! There is NOOOO way you could keep more than 3 fish in a 2.5 gallon. I have 1 Betta in my 2.5 gallon tanks. The box probably means you "could" keep 2 Guppies in that tank, not 6

Please do check out the website Jackie posted, and do tons of research about Guppies, Neons, and setting up a tank, and you'll have healthy happy fish.

**jackie** · 11-17-2005, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by jesse_3

Sadly, they will not let me return them

They have a no return policy.

On the box that the aquarium came in, it said that you could have guppy's

It gave a few different fish that can live in there:
platy
cory catfish
guppies
goldfish
...and a couple of others that I don't remember.

Gal dang it, this is so complicated. I really don't know what to do

Steph and the gang

Not one of those fish listed should be kept in a tank that size. Most of the people at the fish store are not that interested in what the fish needs to stay happy and healthy, if your fish dies, you just go and buy a new one from them. That is how they make business.

There are some GREAT people who work in fish stores, but they are usually outnumbered by the people who have no clue.

The best thing to do is research before you buy any fish. Do not add any more fish to that tank, and try to keep it as clean as possible, a 2.5 gallon will get dirty very fast. Every 5 days or so you should replace half the water in the tank with fresh water.

I think you should go back to the store, and tell them they sold you inappropriate fish, and didn't give you correct advice. Then maybe they will let you exchange the fish, or at the very least give you a refund for the cost of the guppies, which you can put towards buying a new 10 gallon tank .If you save a couple of dollars a week, you can buy a bigger tank in no time, or look in the newspaper or craigs list for a used tank (you can find them so cheap).

**jesse_3** · 11-18-2005, 11:13 PM

Okay, no more fish in the tank. Just the two guppy boys (I decided on Citris and Carribean). They seem happy!

I do have two question: What do I do when one dies, but the other guppy doesn't?
and...Could I keep a little crab in there?

Thanks everyone. I will be taking that tank taken care of VERY carefully! I will also be monitering how the guppy boys are doing closely.

Thanks you so much once again everyone!-
Steph and the guppy boys (Jesse and Splinter too!)

**jackie** · 11-19-2005, 10:05 AM

Do not put anymore fish or creatures (like crabs/snails/shrimp) in that tank, they will just contribute to the waste load. I think the average lifespan of a guppy is 2 years, but I am not positive. If there is no way you can find another tank for them (try to look for a friend who has a larger tank), then you just have to wait until they both pass on. If one dies, do not put a replacement guppy in.

**jesse_3** · 11-19-2005, 01:27 PM

What I meant by a little crab, is after the guppies have past on. I wouldn't add anything else to the tank right now! Sorry to confuse you

With not replacing a guppy, doesn't the alone one get depressed? What should I do for it? Wait until it dies too, then?

Wow, I wish that I would've REALLY researched this

I will research or ask PT'ers before I put any other fish in there (after guppy boys are gone).

Thanks again,
Steph and the gang