Livebearer Starter Tank
A hardy, colourful setup built around adaptable livebearers. This tank suits moderately hard water and offers active behaviour with straightforward feeding and care requirements.
Stocking Plan
| Species | Recommended Count | Compatibility Links |
|---|---|---|
 Guppy Poecilia reticulata | 6–8 | |
 Platy Xiphophorus maculatus | 4–6 | |
 Bristlenose Catfish Ancistrus sp. | 1–1 |
Why This Setup Works
This combination works because:
- •Shared water parameters: temperature overlap around 23.0–25.0°C, pH overlap around 7.0–8.0, hardness overlap in medium → hard.
- •Size compatibility remains stable (5.0–15.0 cm), with no large predatory gap.
- •Behaviour balance is calm: temperament overlap is peaceful across the group.
- •Feeding needs span multiple diet groups; a split feeding routine keeps all species covered.
Water Parameters Summary
| Parameter | Ideal Shared Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 23.0–25.0 °C |
| pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Hardness | Medium → Hard |
Recommended Foods for This Setup
For Guppy (Small community fish)
High scoring wafer in small size class for this setup context.
High scoring pellet in micro size class for this setup context.
High scoring pellet in small size class for this setup context.
High scoring pellet in small size class for this setup context.
For Platy (Medium community fish)
High scoring wafer in small size class for this setup context.
High scoring pellet in micro size class for this setup context.
High scoring pellet in small size class for this setup context.
High scoring pellet in small size class for this setup context.
For Bristlenose Catfish (Bottom feeders)
High scoring pellet in micro size class for this setup context.
High scoring wafer in large size class for this setup context.
High scoring wafer in small size class for this setup context.
High scoring granule in medium size class for this setup context.
Equipment Checklist
- • Tank: 80 L or larger
- • Heater: 100W class
- • Filter: Sponge or internal filter with gentle flow
- • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand
- • Plants: Low-maintenance planting for cover and stress reduction
Common Mistakes With This Setup
- • Adding full stock before the tank is fully cycled
- • Introducing schooling species in undersized groups
- • Overfeeding mixed communities instead of split portioning
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