Setup Advice Birthing Tank

[daveg6529]

1st I have to say I have no large fish. All mine are small tetras and platys.
Last week I bought a small 12 ltr tank for use as a hospital tank for one of my minnows who was attacked and lost his tail.
Unfortunately he died today despite all my efforts (limited as they were).

I have a pregnant platy who looks very large and from reading other posts she could give birth any day now.

Would it be a good idea to put her into the new tank?
The tank came with its own very basic filter I have cleaned the tank and replaced the filter element after the death, just as a precaution. I have filled the tank with water from the platys own tank.
How long should I run the tank without putting her in given that she could give birth very soon?
Should I change the temp setting, its currently at 24 degrees C.

 

[Robbo89]

Make sure the new filter you have started is cycled. If not, that could have been what killed your minnow. 
Even though you are using the same water the filter without necessary bacteria will do nothing in the process of breaking down ammonia into nitrate/nitrite. If you have sorted the filter out well, then you could move the female into that tank, however the stress of moving may cause her to abort the pregnancy and slim down again with no fry born. Temp should be fine, just make sure it is identical (temp and ph) to that of your platy tank

 

[TallTree01]

1st I have to say I have no large fish. All mine are small tetras and platys.Last week I bought a small 12 ltr tank for use as a hospital tank for one of my minnows who was attacked and lost his tail.Unfortunately he died today despite all my efforts (limited as they were).I have a pregnant platy who looks very large and from reading other posts she could give birth any day now.Would it be a good idea to put her into the new tank?The tank came with its own very basic filter I have cleaned the tank and replaced the filter element after the death, just as a precaution. I have filled the tank with water from the platys own tank.How long should I run the tank without putting her in given that she could give birth very soon?Should I change the temp setting, its currently at 24 degrees C.

12 liter is too small for tetras and platies. Have you cycled?

 

[daveg6529]

The 12 litre is a stand alone tank with nothing in it at the moment.
It was purchased as a hospital tank.

Referring back to the 1st reply.
Where in the originating tank will I find the best mature bacteria to add to this tank?
The platy tank only has a Fluval 2 internal filter.

I also have a fully cycled 260 ltr with an Aquamanta 300 (external)filter.

 

[the_lock_man]

The 12 litre is a stand alone tank with nothing in it at the moment.
It was purchased as a hospital tank.

Referring back to the 1st reply.
Where in the originating tank will I find the best mature bacteria to add to this tank?
The platy tank only has a Fluval 2 internal filter.

I also have a fully cycled 260 ltr with an Aquamanta 300 (external)filter.

 
That last will be the best one then. THe filter for the 12l will only be small - fill it with ceramics and sponge from the Aquamanta 300 - then replace what you've taken from there with the new media for the 12l. So long as you aren't taking more than a third of the media from the Aquamanta, the bacteria will recolonise the replacement media within a few hours, so no noticeable spikes.

 

[daveg6529]

Thanks I'll do that, then check the levels.
I'll keep you updated