Molly Fry

[leafs]

I just had my first batch of about 10 Molly fry and was wondering if it would be ok to keep them alone in my 10 gal tank. Will the fry keep the tank cycled? Will they produce enough waste to keep the tank cycled? I had 3 adults in the 10 gal before the birth, but removed them. Also, how often should I change the water? Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Annastasia]

Putting them in the 10 gallon is good. As long as the tank is cycled. I wouldn't put them in a tank and then make them go through cycling. Perhaps you could stick the filter for the 10 gallon in your main tank for a while and let it gather bacteria, and then put it back in the tank along with the fry. However, it sounds like you just took the adults out? If so, the fry will be fine in the tank, they'll keep it cycled. I'd recommend doing water changes at least 2-3 times a week, you can even do them daily if you want.

 

[leafs]

Thanks for the reply. The 10 gal that the fry are in has been cycled for about a year now. I did take the adults out before they started munching on the fry. I just wasn't sure if the fry would be enough to keep it cycle. I forgot to ask, how many times a day should I feed them. Can I feed them crushed brine shrimp and flake?

Thanks again

 

[Annastasia]

I think it should be okay then. But I'm not an expert on cycling...you may want to ask in Beginners or Tropical Chit Chat. I know I've never had a problem with just fry in the tank, because the bacteria will build for the amount of fish you have. However, I'm not sure how it will work out switching from 3 farily big waste producing fish, to 10 very little waste producing fish.

They should be fed 3 times a day at least, 4-6 is preferable. Flakes and Brine Shrimp will be okay.

 

[leafs]

I think it should be okay then. But I'm not an expert on cycling...you may want to ask in Beginners or Tropical Chit Chat. I know I've never had a problem with just fry in the tank, because the bacteria will build for the amount of fish you have. However, I'm not sure how it will work out switching from 3 farily big waste producing fish, to 10 very little waste producing fish.

They should be fed 3 times a day at least, 4-6 is preferable. Flakes and Brine Shrimp will be okay.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks .