Setting up guppy tank

[Lydia]

Hey guys - I am wanting to set up a guppy tank - I just recently discovered the many varieties and how beautiful these small creatures are! I am in the planning stages now......They are SO small - need input for tank size, visual helps, tank scape, etc.............I do big tanks and big fish - so this is completely foreign to me. (Wish they made a tank out of magnifying glass!!!)

[Fancyfish]

What is your goal for the guppies? If you are looking for a pretty tank, then I would consider setting up a 20g or 30g. You can keep a lot of fish in that size tank and they look very pretty with 15 or 20 of them in a tank. I'd put lots of live plants with them, Val in back. water sprite planted. I'd add some intersting long, thin branches. I think I'd go with either sand or a small stone substrate in natural. Though a black gravel would look really good also. I'd have one or 2 pleco's and a school of corry cats in with them. If I have a pleco, I'd add a cave.

That's my thought for a tank. Hope it helps.

[eddie]

glad to see some intrest in livebearers and in my area.i live in vidor.
i prefer 30s but 10s and 20s are good.
dwarf plecos not commons.
live plants a must for a show tank.
guppies prefer bare bottom tanks but you want more in a show tank.
there are other floating plants that work well with guppies and are nice in a show tank.
java moss,christmas moss,hornswart, najas grass.just to name a few.
shrimp make a good addition also .red cherrys,yellows, rc shrimp
i have 20 varieties and many tanks of guppies.(there my favorite fish ,dwarf plecos second)
just my thoughts .lets see some pics when finished

[Lydia]

Thanks to both of you for your insight. I am used to big fish and big tanks - so this is a challenge. They are SO pretty - but so small its hard to see them. I have some 30's - so will go with that and have alot in there. I prefer to make the tanks as natural as possible and replicate the environment for the fish species. Will study up on their likes - obviously they like hanging out in plants!!! Smile. Nice to "meet" you both!