Balloon mollies

[Platiesareawesome]

Hello! I just got my first fish today (3 balloon mollies). I was wondering if I'm overstocked. (I have a ten gallon). They seem happy and I have a good filter that is meant for a 20 gallon tank. I also have live plants. I was just wondering because many people say they are ok in 10 gallons, when others say 20-30 gallons is the minimum. Please feel free to give your opinion. Thanks!

 

[bettaowner]

That is over crowded. I'd advise at least a 40 gallon tank for all three

 

[BLUElobster99]

Isn't 40 a lot for just mollies


Wouldn't a 20 be fine?

 

[bettaowner]

A 30 might work. A 20 would be suitable for a pair

 

[Platiesareawesome]

So what should I do?

 

[bettaowner]

You should move the mollies to a 30 gallon brackish water tank

 

[Platiesareawesome]

You should move the mollies to a 30 gallon brackish water tank

I don't have a 30 gallon and I doubt I can get one.

 

[bettaowner]

I'd advise giving 2 of the mollies to some one else and keeping one in the 10 gallon

 

[cgthebeast]

Or return all 3. You could have a nice school of neon tetras

 

[BLUElobster99]

Why so much space? They only get like an inch and a half

 

[Platiesareawesome]

I'd advise giving 2 of the mollies to some one else and keeping one in the 10 gallon

My dad won't be happy because he bought them and they were $15 all together

 

[cgthebeast]

Don't they breed like crazy, I know plaited do

 

[Platiesareawesome]

Why so much space? They only get like an inch and a half

I know right?

 

[bettaowner]

Live aquaria says they need 30 gallons for one

 

[Platiesareawesome]

Live aquaria says they need 30 gallons for one

I think that's ridiculous

 

[azmodan]

Why so much space? They only get like an inch and a half

Some mollies can get pretty big. I had a few that got to 3+ inches easily and I know some like sailfin mollies can hit around 4-5 inches.

OP, the main thing is they have very high bioloads and are extremely active. You could keep them in the ten (with lots of PWCs) but it just wouldn't be in their best interest, so to speak. They need a larger footprint because of how much they move around. It's kinda like having a big, extremely active dog but you only have a small apartment for it to live in when it really deserves a big backyard.

For a 10g endlers or guppies are a much better fit if you like livebearers.

 

[bettaowner]

Mollies can get big and do have a high bioload

 

[Platiesareawesome]

Some mollies can get pretty big. I had a few that got to 3+ inches easily and I known some like sailfin mollies can hit around 4-5 inches. The main thing is they have very high bioloads and are extremely active. You could keep them in the ten (with lots of PWCs) but it just wouldn't be in their best interest, so to speak. They need a larger footprint because of how much they move around.

Okay, thanks. I really can't get a bigger tank, and I really like mollies. Can I keep it how it is with 30% weekly water changes? Worst case scenario I give them away, but do you think I'll be okay?

 

[azmodan]

How about switching them for platies? They're pretty similar and platies stay smaller.

 

[BLUElobster99]

Since when do we trust online stores?


If we think LFS sales clerks are evil than what does that make dr. Fosters and smith?