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Guppies And Mollies – Best Tankmates?

Aaron Boyd May 30, 2023

Are you looking forward to set-up an aquarium? It’s always exciting to get closer interaction with nature, isn’t it?

Fish aquariums or tanks offer you better exposure to the underwater life of these fascinating species. Having such things in your home will definitely be a soothing sight for your eyes as well.

However, when it is about choosing the types of fish that you want to keep in your tank, it is not the simplest task to perform. Why so?

Well, fish are living beings, and it is important to have a clear understanding of their needs for granting them an optimal growing environment.

So, which type should you go for? Which fish types can be ideal for keeping in the same tank? Are there any tips and tricks that can help? We have all information stacked up that you need to know.

When it comes to retaining a peaceful environment in your fish tank, people often tend to go with guppies and mollies.

Do you want to know about these fish? And are these fish types appropriate to put in the same aquarium? Let’s have all your queries answered right away.

Can Guppies And Mollies Be Tank Mates?

If you are proceeding to set-up your fish tank, choosing the right type to keep together is an essential aspect of the process.

Guppies and Mollies are one of the most popular combinations as they can be pretty great tank mates.

However, for providing them with a better developing environment, you need to know about the basic factors that are essential to pay attention to.

Below, we are going to explain their individual needs and different ways to keep both guppies and mollies together.

What Is Guppy Fish?

Video: “Guppy Fish Care Guide”

Regarding this type, you would definitely feel happy to know that guppies will not only increase the aesthetic value of your aquarium through there delightful colors, but they will also serve to be quite beneficial.

The following are some key points for you to remember if you are going to have guppies in your fish tank.

As guppies are quite active fish, they require larger space for swimming and living. So, how much quantity of water would be appropriate for their living?

Well, for guppy fish, it will be best for you to have a tank with at least ten gallons of water and not any less than that. You can obviously exceed this limit as it will be a plus point.

If you do not want your fish tank to be too crowded, then gender ration among guppies is one of the essential things to be skeptical about.

When having these fish in your tank, make sure to have fewer males and more females. A ration of 1 and 3 from male to female would be ideal.

But, what’s the reason behind this discrimination?

Well, guppies are quite active in reproducing as well. If you have more male guppies in your tank, the constant breeding will make your aquarium crowded.

Your water’s temperature can vary between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit if you want to keep guppies in your fish tank.

If you desire your guppies to develop more quickly, then warmer water will offer better conditions. However, for fun petting, you can opt for the relatively cooler water temperature.

The pH level of the tank’s water also plays a key role in providing a favorable environment for your fish.

When it is about guppy fish, you can keep the pH level of water from 6.8 to 7.8, as this type needs slightly harder water.

Guppy fish are basically omnivorous; they’re going to feast on almost every other thing that you will feed them.

Crumbled flakes of fish food, baby shrimps, and hard yolk of boiled eggs can provide the required nutrition. They also like to eat mosquito larvae, as mentioned before.

What Is Molly Fish?

Video: “Molly Fish Care Guide”

As compared to guppies, molly fish are larger in size. They can grow to four inches. Hence, you will need a bigger space for these.

Let us take a dive in and get to know about their needs in detail.

As mentioned earlier, this fish type is relatively larger and require spacious tanks to swim in. Just as guppies, mollies are quite active as well.

Hence, having an aquarium with 20 or more gallons of water will suit you amazingly well. A larger area is also crucial to have, as these fish require aquariums with plants.

Another similar trait between guppies and mollies is that both are quite active in breeding constantly. Therefore, caring about the gender ratio is an important aspect here, as well.

For controlling the over-population in your fish tank, simply limit the number of male mollies. In this way, your aquarium will not get crowded at all.

When it comes to the temperature of the water, you won’t see much difference in both mollies and guppies here as well. The ideal range of temperature for molly fish is between 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

As for the pH level of water, mollies also prefer the harder nature of water. If the pH range is between 6.7 and 8.7, this can result in successfully providing an exceptional environment to your mollies.

As they are omnivores, mollies feed on algae, plant material, and tiny invertebrates as well. For their healthy growth, you can serve them high-quality flake food and a range of vegetables.

As these fish are quite active, they consume much to feed and result in producing more waste as well. Due to this factor, it can be quite helpful for you to look for a good filter to keep your tank’s water clean.

How To Keep Guppies And Mollies Together?

Does just having general information seem enough for you?

If not, then be pleased, as we are here with some easy tips to help you keep your mollies and guppies together.

Guppies and mollies being quite active, generally have a high appetite.

However, feeding them whenever they seem hungry won’t be a wise move. Too much feeding can result in decreasing the quality of water that they are living in, as too much waste will get produced as well.

So, setting a limited diet portion for your fish can be a pretty good strategy in maintaining both their health and living conditions as well.

As described earlier, both guppies and mollies require ample space due to their active nature. So, it will be a great idea for you to invest in a tank that is large in size.

Moreover, these fish types breed constantly, as well. This factor also makes it mandatory for you to have a bigger aquarium.

As they eat a lot, they waste a lot. Molly fish and guppy fish are known to produce too much wastage. This point needs special concern as it can make the quality of water unfavorable.

So, what can you do about it? Investing in a filtering system will be a safe move from your end.

As mollies feed on plant matter, you can also plant them in your aquarium tanks for better nourishment of your fish.

As both these fish types demand warmer water temperature, you can install a heater to maintain the warmth. This can be quite helpful to you, especially if you are living in a colder region.

About the population, guppies and mollies will constantly surprise you as they breed frequently.

But, can you afford to upgrade the size of your tank every now and then?

Of course not. So, to prevent your tank from this issue, it is a good strategy to lessen the number of males and has more females in your tank.

The Closing Thoughts

While setting up your aquaponics, or fish tank, several factors need special attention from your end. Especially about the petting of different types of fish, it is important to know whether they can be ideal mates or not?

While many fish types are not ideal for you to have together, many also share common requirements and nature. The similarities make them able to live together peacefully. Guppies and Mollies are a prime example of this phenomenon.

The idea of having these two types together can prove quite beneficial for you.

These fish will not only make your aquarium look enhanced and more beautified, but they will also give you a peaceful tank environment. From the need of size to water temperature, pH level, and breeding, these types share many common traits.

If you want to have them together, do remember that investing in a large tank will be your foremost step.

Moreover, a healthier environment will call for the installation of a filter system, plants, and a heater as well. The gender ratio is also a crucial aspect to consider.