Mollies Fighting or Playing?

Sam Crow

As far as reproduction goes, unless I want to save a few fry, I let nature take it's course. As cruel as it may sound, eating small fry is part of a fishes diet and part of life. I've never had a problem with reproductive overpopulation. Most of the time, I never even notice when one gives birth, as the fry are all gone as soon as they are born. Only once in m years has a fry survived without my help ( a Mickey Mouse Platy, who is still in my tank after 2 years).

But yes, they need a bigger tank (at least a 20 gallon setup). As suggested by Termato, you can likely find a very cheap 20 gallon (or larger) tank on Craigslist or Ebay. I keep an eye on my local Craiglist for tanks (even when not in the market for one). Often you can find one for little money and sometimes free. A lot of people either quit the hobby or have to move, thus giving you a great chance to get a great tank and extras for little money to no money. A guy I know once got a 120 gallon tank with coral inserts, filtration and live saltwater fish (complete setup) for FREE on Craigslist. Some lady divorced her husband and gave away his setup worth well over a grand just to spite him. I'm telling ya, keep a check on it and you will eventually find a jem.

Termato

Mine don't seem to be able to eat enough fry to keep them in check lol. I do have a lot of plants and a lot of hiding places though.

I just found 3 fry in my 20 gallon tank last week. Their brand new, so I moved them to the fry tank because they lived lol.

I only seem to have 1 molly fry and over 30 Platy fry.

I have over 30 fry in a 10 gallon now. (they will soon be distributed amongst my tanks and the pet store lol)

Sam Crow

I have 3 fry (a Dalmatian Molly and 2 Mickey Mouse Platy) in a 3 gallon tank. I saved them a while back after noticing them during a water change. There were 2 Dals and 4 MM Platy, but half of each died. It's been about a month and a half now, and the surviving 3 are doing great. I decided to keep them because I will be moving all my current fish into a 55 gallon in a few weeks. I'll have room for them then.

I always have a pregnant fish in my tank. There is never I time I don't. I wake up one morning and what used to be a big-bellied pregnant female is normal size again. No fry to be found. What my Molly, Platy and Swordtails don't eat, my Cory Cats and snail does. My tank is planted well, but not planted enough to provide great cover for fry (on purpose).

A part of me wants to save every fry I see, but then the reality of keeping enough tanks for all these fry (and the extra added expense) kicks in. If a fry is strong enough to survive my tanks, then they will have a home for life. I'm guessing my fish have had thousands of fry over the years. Only one survived on it's own without my help. Talk about natural selection. That one fish is the very definition of "hardy". He was conceived, born, survived, grew and lasted in my 29 gallon for 2 years now. He is one of the few fish I have that I may tear up over when he passes.

Termato

I felt bad not saving them. I had left them in the 20 gallons for almost like 2 weeks after finding them and they didn't get eaten so I saved them lol

Here is what my fry tank looks like now:


---

@ The Original Poster

Is there a way you can get another bigger tank?

If not I would suggest seeing if the petstore will trade one of your mollies for another fish?

FluffyWolf2

A question would I be looking for a 20g or a 20g long. I'll see about the option but also talk to my local fish store about the size and their trade options.

If I got a new tank should I do anything in particular to it prior to transposing the fish?

Termato

20 Longs are usually more expensive, but I love them. I have a 20 long and a 20 high. I'd go with the long if I were you because it gives you more room for plants although you don't get as tall of a tank.

Craigslist ftw! :P

If you get a 29 that would be perfect because its like combining both those tanks. But then people say why get a 29 if you can get a 30 because the 30 is longer than the 29 giving you more stocking options and a better looking tank ;)

Personally I like long tanks.

Assault0137

like many of them said, they are not playing. they are 'doing it'.