Guppy tragedy…
A 10G tank should probably not have more than 4-5 guppies… maybe 3-4 males with the juvi pleco. Guppies grow to around 2.5″ It would be best if you get baby/juvi clown or bristle nosed plecos (or one of the other dwarf varieties but those two are usually cheapest) which you will still have to trade in on a regular basis but since they only grow to around 5″ anyhow, they’ll be less likely to suffer serious stunting issues. Common plecos grow to 18″+ so the negative effects of stunting in an undersized tank are far more likely to adversely affect them. If the injured female doesn’t make it this time, she’ll likely not make it anyhow with just her and four males so if you can rehome her, that would probably be best.
For a 10G, without other tanks for growing out fry, you would probably be best off keeping only male guppies. It would be less traumatic on your son also since he won’t have to keep losing his little pets. With only 4-5 2.5″ fish in the 10G, at least you would have a little wiggle room on the PWC’s. If you try to squeeze in 10+ 2.5″ fish, you would have to almost do daily 25% PWC’s to ensure reasonable water quality.
On my blog, I have a long article/list of “Hailey’s 10 gallon tank stocking recommendations” which might give you some other ideas for your son’s 10G tank.
Lenny Vasbinder Fish Blog - http://GoldLenny.blogspot.com (Links to articles referenced above listed on the right side under Archives - Year, Month and under Labels)
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
