How Big Before Transfer?

[keeleyb]

Hi folks
I have looked through previous posts and I am sure that this has been answered before, but I cannot find it, so sorry if this is repetative!

What size or age do platy fry have to reach before it is safe to let them go in the main tank? the obvious answer to me is when they are big enough not to be eaten! I only have 5 fry, 3 of which are over 15 cms long, they are still in a breeder trap and dont appear too stressed, but a friend has told me that the adults might take chuncks out of their delicate tail fins, is that right? I am toying with the idea of setting up a fry tank, as the two adult females are bound to be pregnant as the male just doesnt leave either of them alone. The long term plan would be to weed out all the males and give them back to LFS so eventually I could have an all female tank! I only have 3 adults platys as its a rena kids 38lt tank.
all advice greatfully recieved as always!

regards
Keeleyx

 

[Annastasia]

Your thought is absolutely correct. When they are large enough to not be eaten by the other fish is the general rule of thumb. Perhaps a little bigger if you have aggressive fish.

I've never experienced the adults biting any of my fry once they are big enough. They will occasionally chase them, however, I've never seen any actual aggression. I would just keep an eye on that one. If you see aggression, take them out.

A fry tank is a fantastic idea, and one I wholeheartedly support. It's fantastic for growing fry when you don't want to keep them in a breeder net, and it provides a peaceful place for the females to give birth. There's a pinned topic on fry tanks on the top of the forum, if you want to take a look.

 

[helterskelter]

They only time you will suffer from bite marks is if the tank is over crowded

But at 1.5cm they safe from most fish now, swords will only eat new born fry, after a week old they will leave the fry alone if their well feed.