Why do my guppies hang out near the top filter of a 2 gallon tank. Is it for air or heat small 5watt light?

Guppies, like most tropical fish, *will* breathe near the surface of the water to gain oxygen. This typically occurs when there isn't enough oxygen diffusion for the guppy to thrive elsewhere in the water.

Here are a few reasons why your guppies might be hanging out near the top filter of your tank:

- Lack of oxygen: If the water in your tank is not properly oxygenated, your guppies may come to the surface to breathe air. This can be caused by several factors, such as:

- Overcrowding: Too many fish in a small tank can deplete the oxygen levels in the water.

- Lack of surface agitation: The movement of water at the surface of the tank helps to oxygenate the water. If your filter does not create enough surface agitation, the oxygen levels in the water may be too low for your guppies.

- Dirty water: Dirt and debris can clog the filter and prevent it from properly oxygenating the water.

- High temperatures: Guppies are tropical fish and prefer warmer water, but if the temperature of the water in your tank is too high, they may come to the surface to cool off. The small 5-watt light might be generating heat, contributing to the high water temperatures.

- Swim bladder issues: Swim bladder issues can cause guppies to lose their buoyancy and float to the surface of the water. This can be caused by several factors, such as:

- Genetics: Some guppies are more prone to swim bladder issues than others.

- Poor water quality: Dirt and debris can clog the swim bladder and prevent it from functioning properly.

- Constipation: Constipation can put pressure on the swim bladder and cause it to malfunction.

If your guppies are hanging out near the top filter of your tank, it is important to identify the cause and take steps to correct it. If the problem is caused by a lack of oxygen, you can increase the surface agitation of the water by using a bubbler or powerhead. If the problem is caused by high temperatures, you can lower the temperature of the water by using a fan or air conditioner. If the problem is caused by swim bladder issues, you can try treating the fish with a medication that is specifically designed for swim bladder problems.