Too many platies in one tank?

[yhbae]

Well, I currently have a 15g long tank for growing up platies. I figure there are about 40 fries in there, of varying size.

I'm getting a little tired of their growth rate (or lack there of). I've been doing two water changes a week, but if I observe the small ones, they don't seem to grow that quickly. I used to remember that after 4 months, most platies hit over 1 inch in size, but these ones clearly grow more slowly.

What could speed up the growth rate? more food? higher temp? (currently at 79F) more water change?

This tank is driven by Aqua Clear 200 and a sponge filter. I have not lost a single fry so far during the past 8 months or so in this tank.

 

[barbiya]

I have no idea how many babies you could keep in a 15 gal. I'm thinking that 40 fry would be okay for awhile. How often do you feed them?

I feed my fry twice a day, and fairly generously, I might add. They don't seem to grow that fast, but I'm in no hurry.

 

[yhbae]

I have no idea how many babies you could keep in a 15 gal. I'm thinking that 40 fry would be okay for awhile. How often do you feed them?

I feed my fry twice a day, and fairly generously, I might add. They don't seem to grow that fast, but I'm in no hurry.

I can hardly call some of them babies really... The largest ones have reached about 1.5 inches while the small ones are still under 1 inch. Regardless of the method of calculations used, this tank is overstocked...

I feed them once a day during the evening, rotating various foods.