Do I Need A Breedbox? When Do Platys Mate?

[Deleted member 107737]

Hi All,
 
I have been overwhelmed with information about platy's and am really grateful.
 
One thing that does concern me is platy's mating. Not so much the re homing bit as i have a spare tank and also the LFS said they would take them off me.
 
 
 
DO i need to buy a breed box??
 
When are they likely to mate as they are about just over 2 months old i believe.
 
Any tips would be great.
 
Thanks,
 
Dave

 

[Lunar Jetman]

If you want to 100% ensure that your fry survive then you could think about a breeding trap but I've seen a few people say they cause stress to the fish because of the confined space.

How big is your tank? Do you have many decorations, plants or hiding places?

I preferred to let nature take it's course when I had guppies and platties. I then had a steady flow of babies over time and my population increased slowly over time.

Just remember, the more you save the more you have to re-home. Leaving them in the tank will allow things to happen naturally and you'll get a few fish that will not unbalance your tank too much.

I would have thought that they will be able to start breeding fairly soon. I seem to remember 2-3 month old fish starting to have babies.

 

[Deleted member 107737]

my tank is 150 litre and have 14 fish in currently.
 
ive been told im at maximum stock level so i would be re homing and babies that pop out
 
there are many plants and ornaments in the tank, crevases (excuse the spelling) in the bogwood etc.
 
just want to experience the whole life cycle of a fish giving birth etc for my own interest in fish. so i can say been there and done it
 
i personally am not a fan of breeding boxes, as its not natural to have a fish in a box LOL in the wild. Just thought i would enquire as to what other hobbyists thought.
 
I will post on the forum if any babys do happen to emerge.
 
Thanks for your help.
 
Dave

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Sounds like you have a decent size tank then and if it were me, I'd let nature take it's course. You'll get plenty of fry and some will make it to the stage where they're too big to be eaten.

I used to enjoy hunting for them in plants and around the gravel.

Good luck and I'll keep an eye out for the photos!

 

[Deleted member 107737]

thanks


i will post photos as and when it happens, cheers