Floating Hatcherys

[jonnyf84]

Hi everybody,

One of my platys is about to give birth for the third time in less than a month, my 125 litre tank can't hold any more babies so i bought a fish hatchery, it floats in the tank and is about 6 inches by 3 inches, i put the pregnant fish in an hour ago (she has looked like she is about to pop for 2 days now) but she doesnt look happy and her mate is hovering around the outside of the hatchery and won't leave her side which i think is stressing her out more.

Will she be ok in there for a couple of days and should i put her mate in with her.

Thanks
Jonny

 

[PrettyLittleLamb]

Hiya Jonny,

I wouldn't advise adding her mate too. Male platies are very horny and she'll probably get more hassle! Also, I think it'd be kinder if she could give birth in peace

I personally don't like these hatcheries, it's like sticking us in one small room for days (imagine how quickly you'd go insane!) There's also a chance if she gets stressed that she might terminate the pregnancy resulting in no fry anyway. If you're really hell bent on keeping the fry in the hatchery then I'd advise catching them once they're born and popping them in there rather than keeping mum in there. Your choice though!

Take care,
Jo

 

[rocknurworld2006]

u shouldnt keep any fish in one of them more than 24hours, as there extremely stressful for them!!

 

[jonnyf84]

great thanks for your input. I took her out shortly after putting her in there because i felt so sorry for her - she could barely move! Looks like she's going to give birth in the main tank again which will make 40+ platy fry rangeing from new borns to 1 month old, its getting out of control. My poor RTBS doesn't know whats hit her Anyway if anybody has any more input on the subject of hatcherys then i would love to hear them.

 

[shelaghfishface]

i have one of hese, but i have to say as a personal prefrence the nets are better, they can swim about ,i always use these, i tried the floating one once and took the fish out as she didnt seem happy at all, the nets are little over £3, not much when your girl can be so much happier

shelagh xxx