[kris0829]

Hello everyone! I am new to owning fish and decided to get a tank started for my nieces bday. She will be 11. It is a 39 gallon tank, and put 4 guppies in. We are now down to 1 after only a day? Not sure what im doing wrong. I look forward to learning some new things to better care for our fish.

[Olympia]

Hi there kris, welcome to TFK.
Sorry to hear about the guppies. What is your set up like? Did you add dechlorinator? (first thing I can think of that would kill a fish that quick).
You should read this article about aquarium cycling, not something many newbies know about.
A Beginner's Guide to the Freshwater Aquarium Cycle

[kris0829]

We got a setup that came all together with the tank, light, filter, etc. We did use a dechlorinater, set the tank up on Saturday and added the first fish in wed afternoon. 4 guppies, 3 died within the first day. 1 is still kicking. Went to 2 Petsmarts today and had them test the water, they said levels looked good.... didnt give me exacts. She recommended me getting some salt to add, said it helped with gills and electrolytes so I did and added that this afternoon. Also, should my filter be on it's highest setting? I also have an air pump with air stones, 1 in each back corner. I purchased 4 platys and a gourami toady, the lady said my levels were ok and these fish were hardier than guppies? These new fish are more active and swim around the entire tank instead of staying at the top with the last guppy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[Reefing Madness]

WELCOME

[onefish2fish]

welcome to the forum.

[eaturbyfill]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

[DragonFyre14]

Depending on what type of guppy some have become very delicate (since they've been bred too look pretty). The fish may have been sick when you bought them.

[LADY K]

welcome to the forum did you let the tank cycle?

[DragonFyre14]

Although I would say the main culprit is that the tank isn't cycled entirely. saturday to wednsday isn't really long enough to allow the beneficial bacteria to establish a colony in the tank, or to let the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates to settle down to where they are supposed to be. (Even though you had it tested sometimes the test can come out fine even if the tank isn't done cycling. especially if they used the test strips which are often not very precise.)

[Tankfull Tropicals]

Kris0829. I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing for your niece. My Dad bought my first Aquarium for me 45 yrs ago. I have thoroughly enjoyed this great hobby ever since. I have kept and bread many species over the yrs and it may sound silly but I have always had a hard time keeping "Guppies"alive. They Can be very touchy fish sometimes. Also I will not buy Fish from stores that use ultraviolet sterilizers on their tanks.UV sterilizers weaken a fishes immune systems and the are more susceptible to diseases.Pet smart is one of them.
I do think you problem this time is simply a to fresh tank; or " not cycled in yet". All that means is wait longer before you put any fish in.
Dont panic, all you need to do is run the filter on the new tank for about 2 weeks before adding fish. Then add to your group slowly to build up the tanks capacity to convert waist biologically.
Live plants will also speed up the cycle process and IMO an tank is healthier with them. It is also a great idea to get into the habit of changing 25 - 50 % of the water every 2 weeks or so. It dilutes all the waists the fish produce and will keep them healthy a long while.
Ask lots of Qs. That is what this site is for and I for 1 like to help out new Fish People.
:} Doug.