Platy Question

[antoniolee]

I have put 5 platies in my mini outdoor pond with no water movement just live plants. Im wondering if they do eat mosquito larvae that will pop out?

 

[the_lock_man]

If it moves, they'll probably eat it.
 
What I'm wondering is how the ammonia produced by the fish will be filtered out? Are you sure there are enough live plants to use all the ammonia?

 

[ech0o]

The surface of the bottom of the pond probably already houses a lot of nitrifying bacteria from rotting plant matter, etc...  I bet a few fish wouldn't change much, but I guess it certainly is a possibility.   Platy will eat the larva, but they certainly are not the best mosquito eaters!

 

[antoniolee]

Thanks for the responses. yup the pond has anacharis, cabomba and floating plants like pistia and the fish are doing fine because the water never clouds or has any  fatalities. Im also doing regular water changes.

 

[the_lock_man]

 

[ech0o]

Get some "least killifish" if you want some real mosquito eaters!

How big is the pond btw

 

[antoniolee]

16 gallons. it's just a simple mini pond.

 

[ech0o]

Oh wow ok so it is pretty small, yea be careful with too many fish, and check the ammonia levels in your pond to make sure they dont elevate.

 

[antoniolee]

yeah thanks, I will keep that in mind!