Aquarium Conditions
Temperature:
The normal temperature that livebearers need in order to survive ranges
from 23-25 degrees Celsius. Beyond this limit may cause death among
them. Gambusia can possibly survive the widest range, from 10 to 33 degrees Celsius or slightly higher. Guppies
may die at about
13 degrees Celsius. Mollies prefer temperatures at upper end of the
range, at about 26 degrees Celsius. The Swordtails and Platies can
live well at higher temperature but have an impaired fertility;
temporary sterility resulting from a prolonged exposure to 26 degrees
Celsius and continue their reproduction only after few weeks at the
ideal temperature. It is more difficult to control the temperature
during summer. Summer temperatures may be kept from rising too high by
several methods. A thermostatic heater adjusted to 23 degrees Celsius
can prevent the temperature from dropping below this point. Ice cubes
can be placed in a plastic bag and dropped into the aquarium. A wet
cloth can also be draped over the tank, which will cool by process of
evaporation from the cloth.
Water:
Livebearers prefer to stay in cooler water, regardless of quality there
certain conditions that needs to be met. For
livebearers the pH must be likely alkaline, ranging between 7.2 and 7.8.
pH reading below this should be adjusted carefully and slowly upwards by
the addition of small amounts of sodium bicarbonate. If pH value exceed
to 8.0 they must be brought
down by the use of sodium biphosphate or a peat filter. To set up an
aquarium, the oxygen needs should always be met. Make it a habit to
change the water volume each week.
Plants:
Livebearers often spend significant to look for soft algae that comprise
a great part of their diet. For this reason, planting must be dense and
composed of those plants up which these algae will grow. These plants
are moderately inexpensive to purchase and grows rapidly in good light.
Many breeders believe that plants help makes the water healthier for
livebearers.
The higher algae Nitella is a preferably plant for livebearers.
This plant is best indicator of proper water conditions. Nitella grow in
thickets, providing good protection for baby fish. It doesn't have roots
and attempts to plant it in the aquarium gravel should not be made.
Other appropriate plants are the Anacharis, Myrriophyllum, Cobomba, and
Hair grass, Ambulia, Vallisneria and Hygrophila. For top cover you can
use Salvinia or Duck Weed. However, Swordplants and the various
Cryptocorynes are less appropriate for livebearers.
|
