Okay, I have this empty 20 gl tank sitting around, and plan on putting some tropicals in there, with real plants, a bit gravel and so on. Now, after a walk through petsmart and another store, I dont know what to put in there. Everything
seems so small and colorless compared to a goldfish.. The only fish I saw so far that I would like are the fancy guppies, with their colorful tails and all!
Are they hard to keep (thats the laugh, compared to a goldfish anyway ), are they live bearers and as busy as those mollies?
Its gonna be a pleasure to put more than 2 fish into that 20 gl. You think I could actually keep 15 guppies in there? Its gonna be so strange....

Oh right Choice I think Hubby and I have been raising Guppies for years great little ones and watching the babies grow is so cool. Infact I got a new babie in the tank

So guppies it is!! How can you tell a male from a female?

Males have alot more color to them.
Females are the duller color ones. Females also seem to be bigger in size too.

Male guppies reach about 2 inches and females reach about 3. I wouldnt put as many as 15 in there. Maybe 10 or so. Keep it heavily planted (real or fake) and they do like some salt in the water, just like the other livebearers. Keep one male per 3 females, otherwise they will bully the females. Females come in bright colors just like the males, the only difference is that their tails are small and round, and the males have very long flowing tails. Theyre beautiful fish and I really enjoyed them for the short time I had them. For some reason I just had terrible luck with mine and ended up losing 4 out of 5 to dropsy. Be sure and get them from a reputable pet shop.

i like guppies, and they have been easy so far, i bought some from aqua bid and just had first batch of babies... they are really pretty to watch , the colors are cool!

Thanks everybody!! Sounds pretty simple so far...
Aquabid, what an idea!! Of course, I am there all the time, besides the goldies and pond section I regularly enjoy looking at those gorgeous bettas they sell there...

yes, i ordered just a trio of guppies, really cool looking ones, the guy was nice and sent extras ......sigh....so i consequently have more than i planned but they are all healthy and the females were already hit so....babies are gettin born- i just wish my kids could all pile in one room, so i could make a fish room lol

How many bunk beds fit into that room?

that fish room sounds good lol bunk beds or futon bunks, either could work lol wonder if I could bribe the kids : )

Have the tank all set up with a cycled filter, gravel, tons of live plants (they dont get eaten for a change.. ) and a few fake ones. Found a little aquarium store 10 minutes from me, not the greatest goldies, but gorgeous little guppies, in all colors! So I will get those tomorrow, maybe 8 alltogether, so there is a bit room for babies in the future!

well, if you lived by me - i would give you a bunch - these are the blue metalheads - beautiful blue colors on the male, my daughter said they look like angels in the water....but the 2nd guppy had about 25?!?!? what will i do with that many lol hate the thought of em getting eaten but.......

Well, I went today and bought 4 guppies, 1 female and 3 male! They are just gorgeous little swimmers...And when I got home and floated the bag in the tank, would you believe it, there was a tiny little baby swimming among them! The females must have been pregnant!
So, I already have one free fish! Will take pics later tonight! A planted tank, I thought I never see that day!...

yay for new fish! and free ones at that! DO POST PIX!