Water Dilemma

[JemZ]

Have started setting up the tank for my pregnant platy, have already got the gravel in:

Since I will be using as much tank water as possible for her, I don't know that I will have enough tank water for both tanks. I bought water conditioner for tap water but I'm not sure how much of conditioned tap water I can use in each tank. I'm also not sure how long the conditoner should be in the tap water before using it. Also, she was kinda shimmying again so I want to get her away from the algae eater and the swordtail as soon as possible.

 

[AbbeysDad]

There is nothing magical about used, polluted tank water. You could use 100% tap water in the new tub. Water conditioners for chlorine/chloramine are pretty much instant - just be sure and use the recommended amount for the water volume. You should also transfer some filter media or substrate from your current tank to seed the new tank with beneficial biology. Also, make sure to get the temperature right before you move the fish. Will you use a sponge filter? See: Cycling a New Aquarium

 

[JemZ]

Just finished setting up the tank, I didn't get the chance to see your post, although good to know for future tanks. . I attached a picture of what it looks like. I put in the heater and used a method where I put conditioned tap water in the tank then put the combination in the new tank. Someone is out getting some plants for it as well as some filter cartridges for me and I'll let it filter overnight. I already bought the filter, but for now will use the main tank's filter to get that good bacteria in. Also got a decor log, so hopefully, she likes it and feels safe to give birth in there!

 

[Retired Viking]

It also helps to not have bright lights on, floating plants can help and no loud noise. My last platy gave birth in my OT tank and had 13 fry, 11 made it to adulthood. The mother left the fry alone but that was in a 29 gallon tank. Good luck

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Just finished setting up the tank, I didn't get the chance to see your post, although good to know for future tanks. . I attached a picture of what it looks like. I put in the heater and used a method where I put conditioned tap water in the tank then put the combination in the new tank. Someone is out getting some plants for it as well as some filter cartridges for me and I'll let it filter overnight. I already bought the filter, but for now will use the main tank's filter to get that good bacteria in. Also got a decor log, so hopefully, she likes it and feels safe to give birth in there!

View attachment 120530

What kind of filter media do you have in the filter in your current tank? Any sponges or is that one cartridges as well?

If you move some substrate from the established tank into the new tank as well, that will also be coated in beneficial bacteria to help seed the cycle in the new tank. You don't have to keep it there forever, can put it into a mesh bag, anything that allows the water to flow through and keep it oxygenated, leave it there for a few weeks while the new tank gets established, then remove it again

If you can squeeze or scrape some filter gunk from your established filter into the new filter cartridges, that will also help! Don't forget to keep an eye on testing the water parameters since this is a new set up, but looks like you have nice little temporary set up for her. Good on you for doing all this to keep your fish

 

[JemZ]

Thanks a lot, Adorabelle! I've put the main tank's filter system in the new tank and will implement your great advice. I actually tried to put the log in but it floated straight up. Any tips for keeping it down? Also any suggestions I should let it filter before I put her in there?

 

[Essjay]

Have you moved the whole filter from the main tank?

You need to divide the media between the two tanks because they both need media 24/7. The only way to get round this would be to put a lot of plants in the container with the platy. Lots of floating plants and fast growing stem plants like hornwort or elodea/anacharis. Not only will the plants provide somewhere for the fry to hide but they'll use all the ammonia made by the platy.
[I currently have 12 kuhli loaches in a 6 gallon quarantine tank with 2 bunches of elodea (anacharis) and 2 huge water sprite plants from my main tank. No mature media. But also no sign of ammonia or nitrite because of the plants]

 

[JemZ]

I did move the whole filter including some of the gravel substrate and will be adding more gravel, but I bought a another filter for the main tank just like it. Same brand, same product. Got one plant, and am looking at more. I would like to get some floating plants for the exact reasons you mentioned. I also want to get her in before she is ready to give birth so that she is accustomed to her new surroundings.

 

[JemZ]

Oh dear she has started flashing again this time she went downwards and sideways momentarily and then righted herself. What should I do?