Panic Mode

[coyemuse]

So day before yesterday, I came home from work to find 3-4 fry in the tank, in panic mode, i ran to the store and bought a new tank, only to decide on just adding a ton of plants to the old tank. I didn't find anymore fry, only the first couple. Yesterday I kinda watched them, and I added a couple algae wafers to see if any of the fish like them. they went nuts over them and were fighting over who would get the most. I went to work, and come home this morning. Flip on my light and observe them for only a few second before i realize that 4 out of 5 platys and my one preg sword are now HUGE, with the squared off shape. I didn't even think they were all pregnant, i only knew the sword and one platy were... Now I'm anxiously awaiting babies. the tank is at a solid 79 degrees Fahrenheit and my parameters are fine. What can I do to make the birth process less stressful on them?

Also, if theyre platy and sword fry, will they be okay in a tank with guppies?

 

[coyemuse]

Anything?

 

[fluttermoth]

Just keep the water clean. Swords and platies normally give birth with no problems; plenty of plants will help the fry survive.

There's really nothing you need to do, except make sure your tank doesn't get overcrowded...

 

[coyemuse]

And the idea of putting the fry in the guppy tank?

 

[fluttermoth]

They'll be fine; in either tank.

 

[coyemuse]

Okay. and how many fish, of these breeds would be max capacity in a 30gallon tank? (so I can keep track.) I already have 5 platys, 3 swords, a baby syno, a cory(plan on a few more if the store has them) and one fry thats 2 months old,, not sure if its platy or sword yet

 

[fluttermoth]

A useful guideline (guide, NOT rule!) for small, standard tropical fish is one inch of fish to one gallon of water. You must use the eventual adult size of the fish, not the size they are now, so as to give them enough room to grow.

All the species of fish you have (they're species, not breeds, btw ), except the syno, will grow to around two inches, so fifteen would be stocked; obviously you'll have to factor in the syno as well; it'll depend on what species it is as to how big it'll grow (it'll probably eat your livebearer fry as well, if it can fit them in it's mouth).

 

[coyemuse]

Alright. thank you