When to introduce fry into main tank

[Jen]

I have a 5 gal tank with 6 barb fry and 7 platy fry in it. They are all between 8 and 9 months now. They are still considerably small, compared to their parents in my 35 gal tank.

I am interested in knowing when is a good time to put them back in the main tank.

Thanks in advance

 

[fishyjessie]

ive always though simply....if the fry are bigger than the big fishes mouth, then they can be introduced to eachother. make sure your main takn is healthy and happy before any moves tho
good luck!

 

[David]

The fry should be at least half the size of the adults and should be nearing sexual maturity.

 

[willywonka099]

hey it's your tank if you want to take a risk thats up too you, but I would wait 'till just under half the size of the largest fish in your tank (preditorial fish)

 

[yhbae]

For platies at least, I tried adding them when they are as little as 1/2 inch, and none of them are eaten by the adults so far. The adults don't seem to stress them either as most males are only intrested in mature females.

I suppose your milage might vary, but my experience says you can introduce them pretty early back into the main tank.

 

[Wyld-Fyre]

Personally, I'd try and get a bigger tank than the 5G you're using for the fries. With more space and less competition for food, personal space, favourite hide-outs etc, they should be 'happier' and will grow bigger. Then you can introduce them when you feel they're big enough to to the other fishes.

 

[Final Dynazty]

Yeah i would wait to they where at least an inch long.

 

[_]im]

Also if you have a strong filter take that into consideration. You may find some weak swimmers and the change in suction near the filter could mean you find some in there next time you clean out your sponges.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi canoechiq

I'd move them as soon as I was confident that they won't be eaten. _]im has a good point about the filter though.

One of the things that young fish need is room to swim and fresh water. I do daily water changes in my fry tanks (even when they are tiny) to give them this. It makes a difference in their rate of growth, so if conditions will be better for them in your main tank, move them there as soon as possible.

 

[Boggle]

Hi Canoechiq

I have some molly fry in a 180L tank. I got some fly screen (I don't know where you are, but I'm in Sydney & we have to have fly screens on all the windows or be eaten alive by the bugs, lol), and made a small mesh tank that floats inside the big one (secured to one side of the glass). They are exposed to the filter current & there is no need to do water changes daily. Very cheap & easy to make, too.