Fry - Are They Eating?

[lildoc82]

My two female platties just recently had a batch of fry each. The first one I just happened to see her giving birth in my main tank (10 gal) and managed to catch three of the wee ones. Then I got smart and set up a birthing tank and put the second pregnant momma in and the next day she had her fry.

I've got them (about 20 I think) in what I think is a 1.5 gal with a little box filter (the ones you attach to an air pump) and some hornewort for cover. The water is old tank water from the 10 gal.

I'm just wondering, I've been feeding them first bites powdered food, but I never actually see them eat it (?). I usually turn off the filter so that the food doesn't get quickly swept away and they miss it. Should I be worried?

 

[Annastasia]

Some fry for the first few days, sometimes weeks, are too afraid of you to go eat in your presence. I know it's that way with my Platy fry. For the first week or so, they won't go anywhere near the food if they see me. Also, if you have hornwort in there, that's a live plant with lots of yummy little organisms, so they may be eating off of that.

You are going to have to take most of them out of the 1.5 gallon, or upgrade. The smallest I really recommend for a fry tank is a 5 gallon. Otherwise, there really isn't enough room for them to grow.

 

[lildoc82]

Thanks!! That's what I thought might be happening. As soon as I walk up to the tank, they kinda hide in the plant or amongst the marbles I have on the bottom.

You are going to have to take most of them out of the 1.5 gallon, or upgrade. The smallest I really recommend for a fry tank is a 5 gallon. Otherwise, there really isn't enough room for them to grow.

For sure, I'll definitely need a bigger tank. This was just a temporary solution to the problem of them being eaten by my zebra danios . I was originally going to go with survival of the fittest, but when I saw one quickly eaten up, that was the end of that! lol.

 

[Annastasia]

Yeah, I'd go for a 10g if I were you. Lots of room for them to grow. Sponge filters work well for fry tanks too. That way you don't have to turn it off for the food, and the fry can't get sucked up.

 

[love_fish]

Yea, my fry are just starting to eat while I'm there, and they're about 1.5 weeks old.

Good luck with yours!

 

[lildoc82]

Thanks! That reassures me. I've taken to feeding them and walking away, resisting the urge to sneak up and watch them, lol.
How big are yours at 1.5 weeks?

Oh, and does anyone know if PetSmart is in the habit of buying fry?

 

[Annastasia]

Heh....if you really want to see, you could always set up a camera. But then it seems like you are stalking them or something. Just be patient, they'll get more confidence soon.

My Petsmart never took fry, but it would depend on which one you are at. You'd have to call and ask. But generally, you are better at family owned or smaller chains of fish stores, as they don't tend to have such a big contract with a supplier.

 

[love_fish]

Thanks! That reassures me. I've taken to feeding them and walking away, resisting the urge to sneak up and watch them, lol.
How big are yours at 1.5 weeks?

Oh, and does anyone know if PetSmart is in the habit of buying fry?

I think they're around 10 mm. I may take them out of the breeders net soon.