Caring for RTP Guppies: A Guide for Beginners and Experts

RTP Guppies are a stunning addition to any aquarium, celebrated for their vivid colors and active personalities. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert aquarist, this guide will help you provide optimal care for these beautiful fish.

Understanding RTP Guppies

RTP Guppies are known for their striking red, turquoise, and purple hues, which make them stand out in a tank. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal for community tanks, but they also thrive in single-species setups.

Tank Setup for RTP Guppies

1. Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is suitable for a small group, but larger tanks provide more space for their active swimming.


2. Water Parameters: Maintain a temperature of 72–82°F (22–28°C), a pH between 6.8–7.8, and moderate hardness. Consistency in water quality is key to their health.


3. Filtration and Aeration: Use a gentle filter to maintain clean water and avoid strong currents.


4. Decorations: Include live plants like java moss or anacharis for hiding spots and natural aesthetics. Floating plants can also help diffuse lighting, reducing stress.

Feeding RTP Guppies

1. Diet: Provide a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, live foods (such as brine shrimp and daphnia), and frozen foods.


2. Frequency: Feed them small amounts 2–3 times a day. Remove uneaten food to prevent water contamination.


3. Nutritional Boost: Use color-enhancing foods rich in carotenoids to amplify their vibrant hues.

Behavior and Compatibility

1. Community Tank: RTP Guppies are peaceful and get along well with non-aggressive fish like neon tetras, mollies, and corydoras. Avoid fin-nippers like barbs or overly aggressive tank mates.


2. Activity Level: They are active swimmers, so provide plenty of open space alongside decorations for enrichment.

Breeding RTP Guppies

1. Setup: Use a breeding tank with a ratio of one male to two females. Add fine-leaf plants or breeding nets for fry protection.


2. Conditioning: Feed the pair a protein-rich diet to encourage spawning.


3. Caring for Fry: Separate the fry from adults after birth and feed them finely crushed flakes or specialized fry food.

Preventing Common Health Issues

1. Regular Maintenance: Perform weekly water changes of 20–30% and monitor water parameters.


2. Common Diseases: RTP Guppies are susceptible to fin rot, ich, and other diseases. Quarantine new fish and treat any illness promptly with appropriate medications.


3. Stress Reduction: Avoid overcrowding and ensure a balanced diet to minimize stress-related issues.

Tips for Experts

1. Selective Breeding: Focus on enhancing specific color traits to produce high-quality offspring.


2. Tank Enrichment: Experiment with aquascaping techniques to create visually appealing habitats that mimic their natural environment.


3. Monitoring Genetics: Maintain a diverse gene pool by introducing new stock to avoid inbreeding.

RTP Guppies are a joy to care for, offering vibrant colors and lively energy to any aquarium. With proper attention to their needs, these fish can thrive, delighting both beginner and experienced aquarists alike.