Introducing fry into the main tank

[Camaro2000]

I have a 60L tank with 3 mollies, 3 gold barbs, 3 panda cory's and a couple of otto's. The mollies keep popping out babies but this is the first time we have managed to keep one alive - it swam into the filter compartment and has been growing there quite happily for about 3-4 weeks (it's now been joined by two other much smaller babies so we have a growing nursery!)
Two questions. One, the eldest baby is now big enough (I think) to go into the main tank and not be eaten, but can I just pick him/her up and pop him into the main tank? Or do I need to do a more gentle introduction to avoid any attacking/territorial bullying? (not sure what I else I can do though tbh!)
2nd question, at what point will I start to overcrowd the aquarium? If the mollies continue to breed and the fry survive, how many of them can the tank comfortably sustain? Thanks!

 

[Guyb93]

I have a 60L tank with 3 mollies, 3 gold barbs, 3 panda cory's and a couple of otto's. The mollies keep popping out babies but this is the first time we have managed to keep one alive - it swam into the filter compartment and has been growing there quite happily for about 3-4 weeks (it's now been joined by two other much smaller babies so we have a growing nursery!)
Two questions. One, the eldest baby is now big enough (I think) to go into the main tank and not be eaten, but can I just pick him/her up and pop him into the main tank? Or do I need to do a more gentle introduction to avoid any attacking/territorial bullying? (not sure what I else I can do though tbh!)
2nd question, at what point will I start to overcrowd the aquarium? If the mollies continue to breed and the fry survive, how many of them can the tank comfortably sustain? Thanks!

I think once you have returned the 3 to the main tank they should pick off any unexpected fry , I would like to add all three at once but the larger one may start to eat the smaller ones , I would try introducing them while feeding or water changes just so there is a distraction and t focus won’t be on the baby fish

 

[Camaro2000]

I think once you have returned the 3 to the main tank they should pick off any unexpected fry , I would like to add all three at once but the larger one may start to eat the smaller ones , I would try introducing them while feeding or water changes just so there is a distraction and t focus won’t be on the baby fish

Yes I'm definitely concerned about the older baby deciding to eat the tiny fry! That's a great idea about doing it water change - I can swap a few decorations around too at the same time which might also help with any territorial behaviour. Thanks!

 

[hansgruber7]

I find if you add more than one at a time, they do better. The problem with just adding one is that they can get singled out and picked on to death. If you can only add the one, maybe do it at night when the lights are off.