Transferring and Acclimating Guppies

[Fmcoon]

On multiple occasions when transferring young adult as well as adult male guppies from a larger tank (say a 20 or 10 gallon tank) to a smaller tank (say 10 to 5 gallon tank), they appear to have bladder issues or will just lay on the bottom.  If moved back after just a few hours, they seem to recover rather quickly.  However, if left longer some have been permanently effected.  My acclimate procedures usually cover 36 minutes, so am wondering if it is just the downsizing of water volume or tank size or something else? Appreciate any comments. Thanks

Edited July 15, 2021 by Fmcoon
clarify

[KBOzzie59]

Weird, my process is net from tank X and drop into tank Z.  That's all you should need unless you have very different water parameters in each tank.

[smoore]

Hmmmm, I don't know?  I've not had this happen before.

 

[Guppysnail]

On 7/15/2021 at 5:33 PM, KBOzzie59 said:

Weird, my process is net from tank X and drop into tank Z.  That's all you should need unless you have very different water parameters in each tank.

I do this with adults and fry. For new guppies from store I float 15-29 minutes  plop and drop. I have never had these issues. Ph gh and temp need to be the same or close. 

[Fmcoon]

Thank you for your replies.  My water parameters are not ideal, soft water, and hardness - 25, ph 7.6 - 8.2.  The water in all my tanks is the same, temperature included.  I'll keep working the issue trying to find a solution.

[Guppysnail]

Guppies in my experience fall apart in soft water. I have a water softener so I carry buckets in from the outdoor hose up steps to get them hard water. You could also add wondershell and equilibrium to get them the minerals they need. But extra calcium is a must have for guppies 

[Gestaltgal]

I do the same as @Guppysnail. I mix in untreated water with softened water to hit a sweet spot for the guppies. They definitely need that hardness.