How often should I do water changes in low tech planted tank?

I have a 10 gallon low light/tech(no co2) tank that's been running for about 3 months. It has 2 amazon swords and 3 marimo balls. I tested the water today and the results were 0 ammonia nitrites and nitrates. pH is 8. Currently there are 2 small mystery snails(about 1in) 2 ghost shrimp and 3 guppies. I am planning on letting the guppies breed to fill the tank. I have 1 seachem root tab under each sword. How often should I do water changes? Ive heard that with plants and ferts doing water changes can spur algae growth.

 

I've never heard that. It's best to stick with weekly water changes which will benefit your fish AND plants.

You'll quickly be overrun if you allow your guppies to breed. They can have up to 50 fry each and that will overstock your tank. If you want more guppies, why not rehome the females and get males instead? You could have up to 6.

 

I've never heard that. It's best to stick with weekly water changes which will benefit your fish AND plants.

You'll quickly be overrun if you allow your guppies to breed. They can have up to 50 fry each and that will overstock your tank. If you want more guppies, why not rehome the females and get males instead? You could have up to 6.

I know ill be run over quickly. I was planning onfocusing on raising one batch and will see if they survive. After that let nature take its course and not mess with it. I'm more of the go with it and see what will happen kind of person. I will make sure the fish have good quality of life though. If I have too many I was thinking about seeing if my lfs will take them. I doubt it though be because the guppies are from petsmart. Is craigslist a good way to sell?

 

Do you have extra tanks you can raise them in? Just keep an eye on your water parameters as having an overstocked tank will quickly and easily foul up your water, compromising the guppies' health.

You could post them on craigslist or see if the LFS will take them when they're a little older.

 

Do you have extra tanks you can raise them in? Just keep an eye on your water parameters as having an overstocked tank will quickly and easily foul up your water, compromising the guppies' health.

You could post them on craigslist or see if the LFS will take them when they're a little older.

How old do they have to be? Ive heard about 5-6 months. I have an extra tank but if I need more I can easily go out and get one. Is it possible to raise them in plastic tubs? Its would be cheaper and easier since I could get big ones.

 

So, are you raising them for profit? I don't know how old they exactly need to be but I would check with your LFS if they will even accept them or not.

I guess it would be possible to keep them in tubs but they would still need a filter and heater.