Missing Fry

[Neptune54]

I've got a problem with my platy fry. They're in a 14 gallon tank with a filter and a heater. I turned on the filter for awhile, (they struggle with the current, so I never leave it on too long) and when I checked up on them again, almost half of them were gone. I checked the filter cartridge, (I think that's what it's called) and there were no fry there. Any ideas?

 

[LucyB]

How old are they? Do you have a gravel substrate? If they are pretty new born, and you have gravel, they will be in the gravel. I personally like to keep mine on sand so they don't get stuck in the gravel, and it is far easier to see them when they are very small. Have you checked behind the filter? heater? Make sure they are not just hiding at the top of the tank in the corner. Take out any ornaments/plants and have a good look (make sure you shake them a bit before you take them out, there might be a fry or two in there.

 

[Juggler75]

I turned on the filter for awhile, (they struggle with the current, so I never leave it on too long) and when I checked up on them again, almost half of them were gone.

I wouldn't ever turn off the filter, can lead to change in water stats that may lead to deaths. If the current is too strong then aim the output against the glass so that it diffuses.

 

[Neptune54]

I've got regular gravel, not sand, (sand was more expensive, and I've never used it before) and the top is usually the only place I see the fry. My dad and I worked on the tank this morning to try and solve the problem. We switched water between my old community tank and the new fry one. The fry one was uncycled because there were no other accomodations, and the tank was on sale. The filter has been left on, and a couple fry reappeared! Thanks for the help!

 

[OldMan47]

To protect fry from a filter, try using a filter sponge on the inlet. I buy replacement sponges for one of the popular filters, cut a slit in one end and slip it over the inlet tube.
The sponge looks like this new and dry.

After a month in place, it looks like this.