Question regarding Swordtails.

[C.low88]

I have a group of swordtails in a tank at the moment 1 male and 5 females in a 35 gallon tank. One of my neon swords is possibly gravid at this point and I have a question regarding water temperatures. Does anybody have any information in regards to the best water temperatures to keep the tank during her and any other female sword's gestation period? I like to let my tanks cool off slightly during the winter months to simulate a typical seasonal change as my house temperature changes naturally anyway thus so does the room temperature water. The water temperature is currently at about 66 degrees Fahrenheit and I do have a water heater setup in the tank. Any suggestions for the ideal temperature.

Side bar question would I be pushing it to add another male to the tank? (I'm not all the enthused that my current male is a solar flare twin bar)

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I believe that temperature will be fine for them.


Regarding adding a second male... the general rule is 2-3 females for every male. So, that ratio still works... though being the lone male in the tank, introducing a new male...might be a bit dodgy. If the new male is significantly smaller than the existing one, it could end badly... especially if there isn't sufficient hiding spots, cover, etc.

 

[C.low88]

I'm considering changing my substrate eventually to help plant growth. I've got some live plants that create some form of a weed edge in my tank so there is cover. The plants hold closer to the ground as opposed longer uprooting plants. Generally I imagine females carrying fry prefer taller plants and or floating plants so the fry may end up being "gravel fry" as opposed to "surface fry".