Guppies are small and colorful fish that make great pets for beginners fishkeepers. Guppies are livebearers, which means that they don’t lay eggs. Instead, they give birth to live baby guppies.
Guppies multiply at a fast pace, and can soon overrun a 10 gallon tank with new baby guppies. So, can guppies live in a pond?
Yes, guppies can live in a pond under the right circumstances. Guppies are easy to care for and are hardy fish. They can survive in varying water conditions. So, minor changes in the weather that disrupt the pond water won’t affect guppies. And, you can always opt to use a heater to keep the water temperature stable for the guppy fish.
Guppies are excellent choices for small ponds in the garden or elsewhere. Guppies need a heater if the temperature falls below 68 degrees at night. This way, they will grow faster and be happier. It’s not a good idea to keep guppies in outdoor ponds during winter months. They are tropical fish. They are accustomed to tropical weather like in St. Vincent or Barbados (in the Caribbean).
Basic Guppy Pond Features
No matter the size of the guppy pond, you need a filter. A pump and filter are more than enough to keep the pond clean and disease-free.
Again, guppies need a water heater if the temperature in your area usually drops below 68 degrees. Likewise, proper aeration is essential. A small waterfall or mini fountain is enough. You only need to ensure that the currents created by the fall aren’t too strong.
Live aquatic plants add to the beauty of the pond. But, they also help filter waste and produce oxygen. Plants can also help reduce the strength of the water flow.
Sunlight is good for guppies’ growth and general health. Partial sun is best as direct sunlight can increase the water temperature too high.
On food, pond guppies will eat mosquito larvae and algae. But, you also need to supplement their diet with tropical flakes to keep them healthy.
Things To Consider When Keeping Guppies In A Pond
Guppies can jump out of the water. They are excellent jumpers too, so a net over the top might be a good idea. Nets can also stop predators from attacking or eating your guppies.
Guppies are schooling fish, which means that they come together when threatened. If you don’t use a net, placing several guppies in the pond can increase their chances of survival.
Using a net can also filter debris. The net catches falling leaves, twigs, etc. keeping the water clean. The less waste that enters your pond, the easier it is for the filter to keep clean.
Also, because guppies breed so fast, consider a predatory fish to keep the population under control. Or, you can give them to friends or sell any excess.
References
- Can Guppies Live In An Outdoor Pond? | Tropical Fish Forums – https://www.fishforums.net/threads/can-guppies-live-in-an-outdoor-pond.38004/
- Help with guppies in a outdoor pond for winter | Tropical Fish Forums – https://www.fishforums.net/threads/hi-i-need-some-help-with-guppies-in-a-outdoor-pond-for-winter.451883/
- Outside Guppy Tub Update Guppy Pond Outdoor Guppy Pond – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA-Lm6xP0A0
- Top 5 Guppy Pond Questions – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv1PCTILne8