Guppy fish is a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts because of their vibrant colors and friendly personalities. They are relatively easy to care for, but there are still some important things to consider before adding them to your tank. One of these is whether or not to add substrate. Do guppy fish like substrate? This is a question that a lot of people have, and the answer is not always straightforward.
Honestly, guppy fish doesn’t really care about the substrate, but they do like live plants, and substrate can help with that. Also, these fish are top and mid-feeders but prefer to sleep on the bottom of the tank at night. However, the substrate is unnecessary for guppy fish, and many people choose not to use it in their tanks.
This blog post will explore the pros and cons of having substrate in a guppy fish tank. We will also look at which type of substrate is better for guppies – sand or gravel. So, if you are curious about whether or not to add substrate to your guppy tank, keep reading!
Do Guppy Fish Like Substrate?
Well, the answer to that question is a little bit complicated. Guppy fish come from all different types of environments, so they are adaptable to a lot of different types of substrates. That being said, there are certain substrates that guppy fish prefer over others.
These fish are top and mid dwellers and will rarely encounter substrate that lies on the bottom of the tank. However, they like to have something to graze on and often look for food on the substrate.
For this reason, it is important to choose a substrate that is not too coarse or too fine.
Guppy fish also like to have hiding spots.
Why Do Guppy Fish Like Substrate?
I wouldn’t go out on a limb and make a point about guppies’ feelings. But as far as I know, your fish appreciate an effort to make their home look like their natural environment.
In the wild, guppies come from slow-moving waters in South America. These areas have various plant life and some rocks or other substrates on the bottom of streams. The substrate provides places for small fry to hide and grazing adults to find food.
If you were to live in the identical habitat as your native place, won’t you like it? Of course, you would. So, it’s the same with your guppy fish.
Is Substrate Good For Guppies?
Now that we know guppies like substrate, the question is whether it’s good for them or not. Guppies are relatively hearty fish and can live in a wide range of water conditions.
That being said, they will do best and be most comfortable in an aquarium that resembles their natural habitat as closely as possible.
In the wild, guppies live in slow-moving freshwater rivers and streams with soft, sandy bottoms. They are used to having plenty of places to hide and lots of vegetation to munch on.
So, if you’re keeping guppies in an aquarium, adding a substrate that simulates their natural habitat is a good idea.
Pros Of Having Substrate In Guppy Fish Tank
Weighing your options always seems like a nice idea, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons regarding the substrate.
The substrate can offer many benefits to both your guppy fish and the plants in their tank.
Aesthetics
Let’s be honest; a big part of having an aquarium is how it looks in your home. Having a bare bottom tank can look pretty boring and uninviting.
The substrate can really help make your guppy tank pop and look more like a natural habitat. The visual appeal is often one of the main reasons people add substrate to their guppy tanks.
For Aquarium Plants
The substrate is a must if you want to keep live plants in your guppy tank. Most aquarium plants need substrate to help them anchor themselves and grow. The substrate also provides beneficial bacteria that can help the plant thrive.
If you want to keep live plants in your guppy tank, you will need some type of substrate. Most aquarium plants need nutrients that they can get from the substrate.
Guppy fish also love nibbling on live plants, so having a substrate can help prevent your plants from being uprooted.
For Bottom Dwelling Tank Mates
You will need a substrate if you want to add any bottom-dwelling fish or invertebrates to your guppy tank. These creatures often feel more comfortable and secure when they have something to hide in.
Some popular bottom-dwelling tank mates for guppies include:
Hiding Spots
Guppies can also benefit from having a substrate because it provides them with a place to hide. If you have a shy guppy or one that is being bullied, then a substrate can give them a place to feel safe.
The substrate can also provide your guppy fish with much-needed hiding spots. Guppies often hide among plants and rocks in the wild to avoid predators as they are prey animals. In an aquarium, the substrate can provide the same type of security.
The substrate can also help reduce stress in your guppy fish. If they feel like they have a safe place to hide, then they are less likely to be stressed out by their tank mates or the other fish in the aquarium.
The substrate can also benefit your guppy fish beyond providing hiding spots and security. The substrate can also help keep the water in your aquarium clean and allow beneficial bacteria to grow.
Regulates Water Temperature
The substrate can also help regulate the water temperature in your guppy aquarium. If you have a heater, then the substrate can help keep the heat in the tank.
On the other hand, if you live in a warm climate, then the substrate can help keep the tank cooler. This is especially important for guppy fish because they are tropical fish and need warm water to thrive.
Aquariums with a substrate often have less fluctuation in temperature, which can be beneficial for your guppy fish.
With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to add substrate to their guppy tanks!
Cons Of Having Substrate In Guppy Fish Tank
Now, it is time to look at the hard side of substrates – the cons. I will list all of them down for you to understand things better.
Dirty Tank
Let’s start with the most obvious one – a dirty tank. Yes, the substrate can make your tank look dirtier than it really is, and no, your guppy fish is not dirty or the one to pollute the tank most days.
The reason for that is that all the waste and uneaten food will sink to the bottom and get stuck in between the gravel or sand.
If you do not have a good filtration system, the uneaten food and fish waste will start to decompose in the substrate, leading to ammonia spikes, which can be dangerous for your fish.
Hard To Clean
Another con of having a substrate in your fish tank is that it is really hard to clean. I am sure that you do not want to spend hours every week vacuuming the gravel, which is why you need to think carefully before you make a decision.
If you decide to go with a substrate, I would recommend getting a gravel vacuum cleaner which will make your life much easier.
Dangerous For Fish
Another thing that you need to be aware that the substrate can be really dangerous for your fish. If you have a fish that likes to dig, they can easily hurt themselves on the sharp edges of the gravel.
Also, if you have a guppy fish that likes to jump, they can easily hurt themselves when they land on the substrate. In addition to that some substrate emit toxic chemicals that can be really harmful for your fish.
So, if you have a fish that is prone to jumping or digging, it is best to avoid using substrate in their tank. And some records show how much guppy fish prefer to jump out of the tank, so stay alert.
Can Fluctuate Water Parameters
The substrate can also fluctuate your guppy tank’s water parameters, which is something that you need to be aware of.
If you have a lot of plants in your fish tank, the roots can release toxins into the water which can cause your water parameters to fluctuate.
In addition to that, if you have a lot of fish in your tank, the waste can also cause your water parameters to fluctuate. So, if you are not careful, the substrate can really mess up your water quality.
Which Substrate Is Better For Guppies – Sand Or Gravel?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it really depends on your preferences. If you want a natural-looking tank, gravel is the way to go. However, sand might be better if you are worried about your fish getting hurt.
I have seen guppies thrive happily in a tank with gravel and sand substrate. It really just comes down to what you think looks best and what makes you feel more comfortable.
Some people swear by sand because it is easier to clean and does not fluctuate water parameters as much as gravel can. Others find that gravel is better for live plants and provides more hiding spots for fish.
It is a personal preference, and you must experiment to see what works best for you and your fish. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which substrate is better for your guppy fish. Make sure to research and ask around before making a decision.
Can I Use Sand Substrate For Guppy Fish?
Yes, you can use sand substrate for guppy fish. In fact, many people believe that sand is a better option because it is more natural looking and it is also less likely to hurt your fish.
Sand is softer on their fins and it is also easier to keep clean. The only downside to using sand is that it can be more expensive than gravel.
But you will go with this one if you plan to keep live plants in the guppy tank. Your guppy fish like a sparsely as well as densely planted tank.
So, if you are going to use live plants in your guppy tank, then sand is the best substrate for you.
What about the other substrates? Let’s take a look.
Gravel is the most popular substrate for guppy fish tanks. It is also the least expensive and comes in various colors.
The downside to gravel is that it can be hard on your fish’s fins and be difficult to keep clean. If you choose gravel, make sure you get a size that is big enough so that your fish cannot swallow it.
Which Substrate Is Better For Live Plants?
Live plants are a great addition to any fish tank but require a little extra care. If you want to use live plants in your guppy fish tank, then you will need to choose the right substrate.
There are two main types that you can use for live plants: sand and gravel. Both of these substrates have their own pros and cons.
Sand is a great choice for live plants because it holds moisture well and provides nutrients to the roots of the plants.
The only downside to sand is that it can be difficult to clean. Gravel is easier to clean but doesn’t hold moisture, as well as sand.
So, which substrate is better for live plants? It really depends on your own personal preference. If you don’t mind cleaning the sand occasionally, then it’s a great choice. Otherwise, gravel might be a better option for you.
Do I Have To Change Substrate In Guppy Fish Tank?
You don’t have to change the substrate in your guppy fish tank unless you want to. If you’re happy with how it looks and your fish are doing well, then there’s no need to make any changes.
However, if you decide to change the substrate, it’s important to do it slowly and carefully. Make sure to gradually acclimate your fish to the new substrate to avoid any problems.
How Often To Clean The Substrate In Guppy Fish Tank?
The frequency of cleaning will depend on the type of substrate you use. You’ll need to clean sand more often than gravel if you have sand.
In general, you should aim to clean the substrate in your guppy fish tank at least once a month. This will help keep the water quality high and prevent any problems from developing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the substrate can have both pros and cons when it comes to guppy fish. Before adding it to your tank, deciding if the benefits outweigh the risks is important. Some people may prefer not to use substrate at all, while others find that the pros far outweigh the cons. If you do choose to use substrate in your guppy fish tank, be sure to research the best type of substrate for your particular setup.
If you have questions about guppy fish or substrate, ask your local fish store or contact a professional.
Thanks for reading!