Small Question From A Dummy!

[droopy1]

Hi all, new to the site, new to forums, and definately new to Tropical fish.
Had goldfish for a little while, 3 thriving goldies, getting fat as I type!
BUT Having decided to get a tropical Tank, I have spent the month setting it up. Popped the goldfish filter in (shortcut the bacteria issue), tested the water and all levels were bob on perfect. Bought fish a week ago, and my 4 (3 ladies 1 fella) Platties gave me fry on Monday this week, fantastic..but they were all eaten! Oh well, there will be more, another is pregnant at the moment, so watching for her to pop! Anyway my question...
I came home today to find my male platy has trapped himself between a rock and the glass, and drowned....he had dug himself into the gravel trying to escape...so i know he got trapped. Probably chasing a last fry! All very sad! Oh my question....silly really
Can lady platties manage without a male? Or should I get another male?
Told you it was silly!

 

[Lizzie71]

I have 3 females and they are perfectly happy. But they do keep having babies long after the male is gone.

 

[droopy1]

I have 3 females and they are perfectly happy. But they do keep having babies long after the male is gone.

Oh thats Ok then. I just didn't want them to be sad...and mopy!
One more thing, the fry, I intend to lift a few out and pop them into a small tank I have with water from the big tank, filter and heater, should I do anything else.....had it running for a couple of days now, is that enough? Or have I missed something?
And thanks for the reply!

 

[Lizzie71]

Sorry can't really help! I have had fry as one of my girls was pregnant when I got her, but I just let them take their chances in the community tank. They hid under rocks and in plants, and out of the first two batches I had 10 survivors who were rehomed to lfs. I now have one lone baby left, hopefully my last one.

 

[droopy1]

Was my 1st idea, until I saw how quick they became dinner! Lots of rocks/plants...but stil hope there is one cunning fry hiding! Cheers for your time, may be back with an update pretending to be an expert!!! take care

 

[Matt_northants]

For raising fry I normally keep a tank empty then when I see eggs, as its only my cichlids Im interseted in, I do a large enough scale water change on the main tank so that I can fill the hatching tank with water from the main tank. Then when the eggs have hatched I place a small filter that I have been using in the main tank into the hatching tank and transfer the eggs. In your case I would do the same ie wait until I see the fry then do a water change and fill the rasing tank tank, place a filter in the raising tank from the main tank and transfer the fry.

 

[droopy1]

Thanks for the advice...will do just as you suggest. Good to know that there is help out there!