Is My Tank Overstocked?

[otakufishy]

In my ten gallon tank, I have 7 adult fish (3 mollies and 4 platies). Along with those fish, though, we have 11 babies (9 mollies, and 2 platies). Currently, they are in a plastic breeder box, but surely they can't stay in there forever, and I know that 18 fish in one tank is way too many, so what should I do? If I was to buy another tank (a bit of a stretch space-wise), how much would it cost and what size should I get? Thanks.

 

[Assaye]

For mollies, you want at least a 2 foot tank, 3 foot if you have any sailfins. Mollies are not suitable for 10 gallon tanks as they reach between 4 and 6 inches, depending on sex and variety.

18 fish - if you plan to get them all to adult hood you'll have 12 mollies. You're looking at a 4 foot tank right there, IMO, unless you can get a tall and wide 3 footer.

Sorry - mollies are one of those fish that stores love to sell for any tank over about 5 gallons and are just too big for these small tanks.

You need a bigger tank if you want to get those little ones to adult hood and even if you plan to give them away/sell them, you need a larger tank just for your 3 original mollies.

If you can't find the space for a fry tank or large tank suitable for breeding, make sure you only have one sex of mollies. The males can squabble so I'll leave that to others to advise on which is the best sex to keep. For livebearers like mollies and platies you should have at least 2 females per male or have them all the same sex.

 

[otakufishy]

Thank you for that information. I knew that mollies could grow big but I never guessed 4-6 inches! I do not have sailfin mollies, though, luckly. What size tank do you recommend for my mollies and their fry, and do you know of a place I can find a cheap, but good tank? I am going to have to buy all of the stuff myself, because I bet my parents wont be up to cover the costs of another tank. Thanks again.

 

[Mikaila31]

try craigslist, garage sales, and newspaper adds if you are looking for a cheap tank. I picked up a 2footer of the curb side this fall. Needed some TLC and will never be a show tank, but it holds water which is what matters.

 

[otakufishy]

Thanks. I'll try that. Now, to convince my parents...

 

[ewooten78]

I would recommend a 5 gallon tank thats what I keep all my babies in. Just remember to put a sponge around the intake for the filter or a lot of babies will get sucked up inside. I also recommend a bare bottom tank. when I put gravel in mine I lost alot of babies cause the hide in the gravel and cant get back out. Good luck and congrats!

 

[otakufishy]

I would recommend a 5 gallon tank thats what I keep all my babies in. Just remember to put a sponge around the intake for the filter or a lot of babies will get sucked up inside. I also recommend a bare bottom tank. when I put gravel in mine I lost alot of babies cause the hide in the gravel and cant get back out. Good luck and congrats!

But what about the parents? What size tank do you think I should get for ALL of my mollies? Surely, if they can't fit in a 10 gallon then the 5 gallon would be worse. What size would be appropreate for both parents and babies alike (I could use a divider for the babies, I guess)? Thank you guys so much!

 

[Assaye]

I would recommend a 5 gallon tank thats what I keep all my babies in. Just remember to put a sponge around the intake for the filter or a lot of babies will get sucked up inside. I also recommend a bare bottom tank. when I put gravel in mine I lost alot of babies cause the hide in the gravel and cant get back out. Good luck and congrats!

But what about the parents? What size tank do you think I should get for ALL of my mollies? Surely, if they can't fit in a 10 gallon then the 5 gallon would be worse. What size would be appropreate for both parents and babies alike (I could use a divider for the babies, I guess)? Thank you guys so much!

I think you should be aiming for a 36"/3 foot tank of at least 30 imperial gallons.

 

[otakufishy]

Awww... I was really kind of excited to get this new tank for my mollies, but when I asked mom it was a firm "no". She stated that she didn't want another tank in the house, because I already have one. What should I do now? How to convince her that is is necessary? If what you guys said is true, then the mollies (+ babies) will grow WAY too big for my tank. What to do... what to do...?

 

[OldMan47]

Another option, if she is convinced that one tank is enough, might be to trade up to a larger tank instead of adding another one. Larger tanks are easier to care for and would make the choice of fish wider. It would mean getting rid of the tank you already have though.

 

[Assaye]

Another option, if she is convinced that one tank is enough, might be to trade up to a larger tank instead of adding another one. Larger tanks are easier to care for and would make the choice of fish wider. It would mean getting rid of the tank you already have though.

I'd go with this option. See if you can get a 3 foot tank and sell the old one to make some of the costs back. Keep your old filter though to keep the good bacteria you've grown!

Any upgrade is good, even a 24" (2 foot) tank. However, if you can't get a big tank you'll have to think about taking some mollies back to the shop as only a few will be happy in a small tank.

If your mum is worried about costs, try to see if you can find a free/cheap tank on Craigslist, garage sales and Ebay. Freecycle is also good.

Tell you mum the fish will suffer and could even die. They are fish but they deserve a good life without pain and health problems! Surely a little extra space in the house is worth giving them a good life?

 

[otakufishy]

I'll try and talk to her, and I already said I'd pay for EVERYTHING, but she insisted that I don't need it. Unfortunately, I can't upgrade because we have a 10 gallon tank stand, and nothing else would fit. Thanks for all the ideas, though. I'll keep trying to convince her. I got my brother on my side helping me now! My dad has a fish tank (really big 55 gallon one), but it is kept really cold (65ish), for his fish (they need cold water), so I couldn't put them in there. That tank combined with mine makes her think "too much fish!". I'll try, though. Thanks.

p.s. my mom hates fish

 

[OldMan47]

Be careful dealing with us adults there. We can all become very stubborn if one of the kids gets to thinking they have a way around us. I am speaking from experience, my daughters thought I was impossible to move. That is why I did not suggest a gambit to get a second tank. Staying with one only is a parameter that has already been established so you need to try to work within that limit and still get closer to what you think you need. .

 

[otakufishy]

Thanks everyone. I'll keep you updated.

 

[otakufishy]

Okay, late last night, one baby had died. Just now, I look to find another baby dead. Both were mollies. What could be wrong? I changed some of their water yesterday after the one died, just in case it was dirty. I don't know why another died today. I also take a turkey baster and clean out their floating box everyday, so what could be the problem. The babies don't look hurt or anything. It seemed as they were swimming fine a second ago, then dropped dead. Any ideas? Thanks.