How To Stop Bullying

Hiya! I currently have a five gallon planted tank in my possession with two male guppies. Water parameters have been good for the past week, except for a higher pH (around 7.6), which I was told was okay for guppies. One of the guppies is bullying the other, constantly chasing it and sort of trying to headbutt him. There's a vallisneria, some bamboo, and a japonica in the tank, but still some empty space. I've read that putting more plants etc. to break up the line of sight of the bully can help; I've tried to isolate the bully and his behavior has not changed. I've also tried to put mirrors up against the aquarium. Would adding one more guppy help with the situation as well? I'm concerned and at a bit of a loss for what to do, especially being rather new to the hobby!

 

Do you want my honest opinion or do you want it sugar coated.

 

When keeping male guppies together you should keep them in a group to spread out aggression but your tank is not big enough for that. Smaller tanks also make it worse because they can be stressed and there's not enough room for the victI'm to get away.

 

Adding another male guppy will just cause death, stress, or injury. You have a tank that isn't big enough for guppies. You are doing a disfavor, but getting a 10 gallon will help with the bullying. There will likely be no aggressive if you get a 10 gallon.

 

get a 10 gallon man, 5 gallon isn’t big enough for anything other than a betta and honestly fish shouldn’t be forced into such a confined space ever. small tanks equate to aggression. Imagine sticking 2 6 foot people in a 200sqft apartment