Guppy Question

[Bruxes and Bubbles]

I don't think one guppy alone would be better, they are schooling fish.

They're not schooling fish. Social, yes, but not schooling. I had a male guppy with a big tail that was bullied and nipped by his 'friend' that I had in the tank with him. He was much happier and came out more when the 'friend' was removed. I've kept guppies in quantities of 10+ before all together. I have seen no difference in their behavior alone versus with others as long as they feel secure in their environment, which in a fish tank they should. No predators.

 

[Itsme]

Hmm... Honestly guppies need at least a 10 gallons. Even if they are small they are territorial and very active. I know it's not fun hearing that but yeah...

If you only have that and you reallly want guppies you could go with 3 MALES. Not recommended.

So you don't recommend 3males?

 

[ChapouJunior]

They're not schooling fish. Social, yes, but not schooling. I had a male guppy with a big tail that was bullied and nipped by his 'friend' that I had in the tank with him. He was much happier and came out more when the 'friend' was removed. I've kept guppies in quantities of 10+ before all together. I have seen no difference in their behavior alone versus with others as long as they feel secure in their environment, which in a fish tank they should. No predators.

Hmm okay you might be right but I had 1 guppy before in my 20 gallons and he was so inactive, at the bottom, doing nothing while my other fishes were all active and water parameters perfect, then I added 4 guppies along with him and he's now the most active in the tank. I guess it depends on the personnality.

 

[Itsme]

They're not schooling fish. Social, yes, but not schooling. I had a male guppy with a big tail that was bullied and nipped by his 'friend' that I had in the tank with him. He was much happier and came out more when the 'friend' was removed. I've kept guppies in quantities of 10+ before all together. I have seen no difference in their behavior alone versus with others as long as they feel secure in their environment, which in a fish tank they should. No predators.

So how many do you recommend?

 

[ChapouJunior]

So you don't recommend 3males?

Sorry if I was unclear, I meant 3 males is fine, but in a 5 Gallons, not recommended, but honestly, give it a try, you never know!

 

[Bruxes and Bubbles]

So how many do you recommend?

In my opinion, a maximum of two due to their bio-load. Three would work if you're willing to do frequent water changes, though.

 

[FishL:))]

How many guppies can I keep in a 5gal?

Only about two max. Have you already bought the tank ? A 10-20 gallon( bigger better) would be great for Guppies. If you haven't already bought the guppies, a Betta would be fine in the 5 gallon.

 

[_IceFyre_]

I think a 5 gallon is really too small for guppies, they are quite active and territorial and need quite a bit of swimming room for their size. As fish keepers, we should be providing our fish with the best environment possible, not the bare minimum
If you were going to get them, which I wouldn't advise, I would say 2 males max, maybe 3 if you are willing to keep up with 50% twice weekly water changes as mentioned above.

 

[Al913]

Why don't you give endlers a try? Endlers are smaller yet still colorful! You could do 5-6 in a 5 gallon

As far as the guppies go I suggest getting 1-2 male guppies, sometimes guppies can be territorial or aggressive. I have 2 male guppies in a moderate-heavily planted 40 breeder and they still duel each other although there is no nipping . As mentioned guppies are really active but I would just do 1!

 

[BeanFish]

A 5 gal is amazingly small, don't put an active fish like a guppy in there.
IMO.

 

[_IceFyre_]

Why don't you give endlers a try? Endlers are smaller yet still colorful! You could do 5-6 in a 5 gallon

I disagree with this, Endlers are extremely active and I would say they need at least 10 gallons minimum. I can never understand why people say that neons need at least 20 gallons while Endlers are okay in a 5 when they have virtually the same activity levels.
Just my opinion, I agree with the rest of your post

 

[FishL:))]

I disagree with this, Endlers are extremely active and I would say they need at least 10 gallons minimum. I can never understand why people say that neons need at least 20 gallons while Endlers are okay in a 5 when they have virtually the same activity levels.
Just my opinion, I agree with the rest of your post

Both guppies and endlers could live in there,but they wouldn't be happy, probably be stressed in the tight area, and probably might not live a healthy life they should. IMO

 

[bgclarke]

A better option for the 5 gallon if you're really set on having livebearers would be endlers instead of guppies.

See the first post in this thread for specifics and other possible choices.

Help - Making Stocking List For 5 Gallon Aquarium

 

[MikeRad89]

3-4 males easily.

 

[Anders247]

I agree with @BluMan1914.

 

[Al913]

I disagree with this, Endlers are extremely active and I would say they need at least 10 gallons minimum. I can never understand why people say that neons need at least 20 gallons while Endlers are okay in a 5 when they have virtually the same activity levels.
Just my opinion, I agree with the rest of your post

Oh, didn't realize this! LOL, now my views have change and won't be recommending them for 5 gallons however won't 1 work?

 

[TexasDomer]

Oh, didn't realize this! LOL, now my views have change and won't be recommending them for 5 gallons however won't 1 work?

Are you asking about one endler in a 5 gal? Why would you want to do that? Seems unfair to keep a social fish singly.

 

[ashenwelt]

Personally 2-3 male endlers are a good pick for Endlers in a five. However these are social and inquisitive. Please give them stuff to look at... They never stop.

In comparison to neons... Neons swim all over. Endlers nose in and check things out. Very different personality.

 

[BeanFish]

So... I am sadistic for putting dwarf corydoras in a 10 gal but it is not crazy to put Guppies or endlers in a 5 gal?
Im confused.

 

[ashenwelt]

So... I am sadistic for putting dwarf corydoras in a 10 gal but it is not crazy to put Guppies or endlers in a 5 gal?
Im confused.

LOL. Well... I wouldn't do the guppies in a 5. Endlers, I actually HAVE in a 5.