Guppy Problem

[Kyle]

For about a year now I have had a 10g set up for breeding guppies (havnt figured out why Ive done it as I have more then Ill ever need lol) anyways in the 10g is a bare bottom with half the tank covered in java moss. I have my favorite male guppy and two good looking females in there for him and they have provided me with about 40 fry over the year that Ive kept. Well recently they seem to huddled around either the heater or sitting on the bottom in the corners and I cant figure out why, also I havnt seen them eating. Yes the heater is working and no I cant give you parameters as in the past almost 10 years of freshwater fish keeping Ive never had one. But any ideas?

[Little Embers]

I don't mean this to sound rude, but when fish start acting abnormally or seem stressed, perhaps checking the water parameters wouldn't be such a bad thing, although with 10 yrs experience behind you, I'm sure you know what you are doing and if it isn't water quality problems, perhaps it is old age.

Perhaps it is old age!

[Gayle]

Who is hanging out in the corners? The fry? Or the breeders?

If it is the breeders it may be old age, esp the females, giving birth all the time takes a lot out of them.

If it is the fry, then you may have a water quality issue. I would start with a w/c and see if that helps any. You could try to up the temp a few degrees, but I really do not think that is it. What is the air like, do you have a bubbler? Is there a reason you are against testing the water? If not I would get a test kit, it can be a very useful tool.

Also depending on the size of the fry, you may simply have an overcrowding issue.

[Northernguy]

I do agree with Gayle!:19:
Try taking some water to your lfs for testing!

[Kyle]

It is just the adults not the fry, there arnt many fry in there as soon as I see them I pull them out and put them in their own tank. I saw the male swimming around today but the females were still sluggish. There are a couple fry still left in there and they have been eating and swimming around just fine. I've just never needed a kit for freshwater, I do have one for my saltwater tank that I use. How long is a guppy life span? I got them as adults and they have been doing their thing non stop in that tank for over a year 1 male, 2-3 females

[Gayle]

Well I really never kept guppies. But I believe it is about 1.5 years up to 3, remember that constant breeding will make it shorter. You could still try a w/c, to see if it helps at all.

[Little Embers]

Well I really never kept guppies. But I believe it is about 1.5 years up to 3, remember that constant breeding will make it shorter. You could still try a w/c, to see if it helps at all.


I agree! I think 2 years is probably a good innings, particularly the females. They usually have gone through a lot of stress before we buy them as well and it can depend on their age then too. It does sound like they are worn out and perhaps the females need a well deserved rest from breeding.

[terrapin24h]

i'd separate the males and females, do a good size water change on the tank, and get them a good high protein treat, like frozen blood worms. I too have read 3yrs max, knock a year or so off for heavy breeding and yours may just be getting near the end of the road. But it could also be old tank syndrome.

--chris

[Kyle]

I did a 50% water change and fed some blood worms and the females all ate but the male was swimming around, they seem a little happier, I'm going to try to get a few decorations in there and see if they feel better

[Little Embers]

Glad to hear they seem happier and adding some decor. is a good idea. Fish do like having somewhere they can go and hide and feel safe. It also makes life more interesting for them if they have things to explore.

[cer]

My fish like to stay near the heater.
I think it is because they want to warm up.
Try cranking it up 2-3 degrees.

[Kyle]

Temp is already around 78-80