When it comes to finding the best tank mates for guppies you definitely have a lot of options.
If you’re looking to add some variety to your guppy tank then there are lots small peaceful community fish that get along great with guppies. Scroll down to see some of our favorite fish to keep with guppies.
Guppy Tank Mates
Platies
Platies (View Price) can be a great fish to keep with guppies. Platies also come in a wide variety of colors just like guppies. Males are usually smaller and more vibrantly colored, while female platies are larger with more subdued colors.
Platies are a very peaceful community fish, which makes them an excellent fish to keep with guppies. Platies can be shy though and they do need hiding spots, like plants or aquarium decorations.
Like guppies, platies will also bear live young, which makes them a great fish for first-time breeders. If you’re looking for a solid fish for a beginner, then platies are definitely a good fish to consider.
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras (View Price) are a vibrant blue and red fish, that makes a perfect guppy tank mate in a small aquarium. Neon Tetras are a very docile fish and they are relatively easy to care for, which makes them a very popular fish for beginners.
Neon Tetras need to be kept in groups of five or more since these fish need to be in schools to feel safe and remain stress-free and stay healthy. Neon Tetras grow to about a maximum size of about 1 inch, and they eat a wide variety of foods including pellets and flakes.
Neon Tetras also need to be kept in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places since they can be a little skittish. Overall though, Neon Tetras make a great addition to a guppy tank, and their bright colors and schooling behaviors will add lots of life to your aquarium.
Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s (View Price) are very hardy freshwater fish that are closely related to guppies. Endler males exhibit hues of orange, green and blue all across their small body. Their vibrant coloration and easy disposition make them a perfect tank mate for a guppy.
Endler’s tend to remain small throughout their life and they usually only reach a maximum adult size of 1 inch. When it comes to Endler guppy compatibility their diminutive size makes them a perfect fit for a small guppy tank, and they get along with most other peaceful fish in a community aquarium.
Endler fish also give birth to live young just like guppies, and they do best in a planted tank with plenty of hiding spots if you want to successfully breed them.
Rasbora
Rasboras (View Price) are a colorful peaceful fish that get along great with guppies. They are very easy to care for, and they tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Rasboras are also great for small tanks since they only reach a maximum size of 2 inches.
Rasboras do best in small schools of at least six fish or more, and they are a very outgoing fish that are very active swimmers. They also aren’t very shy when they are kept in a large enough school, and they exhibit very tight schooling behavior.
Molly
Mollies (View Price) are one of the best tank mates for guppies since they like to live in the same water conditions, and they have a similar disposition. Mollies are also very peaceful fish, so they won’t cause any fights or nip at your guppies.
Mollies are livebearers just like guppies, and they are very easy to breed in the right environment. Just like guppies, they do best in a planted tank with plenty of places for their fry to hide in.
Mollies do grow larger than guppies though since they reach a maximum adult size of about 6 inches. That means they might not do well in a 10-gallon fish tank, but they are perfect for a 20-gallon aquarium.
Swordtail
Swordtails (View Price) are another livebearer fish that will get along with guppies. Sword Tails are actually close relatives of platies, and they have a similar body shape, except that males have a “sword” on their tail which gives them a slightly more unique appearance.
Swordtails are generally very peaceful fish, but the males do fight amongst themselves in displays of dominance. This fighting rarely ever spills over to other fish though, and they usually get along fine with guppies. However, Swordtails are known to be jumpers, so it’s a good idea to keep them in an aquarium with a tightly sealed cover.
Nerite Snail
Nerite Snails (View Price) are very effective algae eaters, and they constantly graze on algae on every exposed surface in an aquarium. They are a relatively hardy snail, but they are sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications, and they don’t tolerate high nitrate levels.
Zebra Nerite snails also make an attractive addition guppy tank since they really stand out with their golden yellow stripes. Nerite snails generally live between 1 to 2 years, and they grow to a length of 1 to 1.1 inches.
Nerite Snails also won’t overpopulate your tank since they can’t reproduce in freshwater. Their eggs need brackish water to mature, so while you might see some eggs in your tank they won’t hatch and become a pest problem.
Cory Catfish
Cory Catfish (View Price) are another excellent tank mate for guppies. Corydoras spend most of their time on the bottom of the tank searching for food. That means they usually keep to themselves, and they also provide the added benefit of removing any uneaten food that can cloud up and cause ammonia spikes in the water.
Cory Catfish are very peaceful fish, and they like to be kept in groups of 4 or more since they like to form a shoal to feel safe and comfortable. They also won’t compete with guppies for food since they prefer to eat sinking pellets, while guppies usually like to eat flakes at the surface of the water.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus (View Price) are a great addition to a peaceful tankful of guppies. They do best in a planted tank in a small school, and they absolutely love eating algae. They are a little shy though, so they do need to be kept in a tank with plenty of hiding spaces.
Otos are also one of the smaller algae eaters, which makes them a perfect fit for a 10 to 20-gallon guppy aquarium. They also don’t become aggressive as they age like Chinese algae eaters, and they get along with all types of peaceful fish like Cherry Barbs, Corydoras Catfish, Danios, Rasboras, and Mollies.
Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp (View Price) make a unique addition to almost any guppy tank. Cherry shrimp are a beautiful species of shrimp, and they are also quite functional. They have a voracious appetite for algae, and they also clean up uneaten food and detritus
Cherry shrimp are very easy to breed, and in most cases, they will start breeding as soon as they get situated in their new environment. They also do best in a planted tank that provides them with plenty of algae to eat, and places to take cover. If your planning on keeping a peaceful planted guppy tank then Cherry Shrimp are definitely worth your consideration.
Guppies
Guppies (View Price) are a very social fish that do well in a single species aquarium. By getting more guppies for your tank you can be sure they’ll get along with each other, and you won’t have to worry about maintaining different feeding and water requirements.
Guppies are also more likely to successfully breed in a guppy only tank, and their young will be more likely to survive predation. In addition, nothing is more beautiful in my opinion than a tankful of colorful male fantail guppies.
![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)
