Water change?

[Platiesareawesome]

Hello! As you might know, I am taking my 3 balloon mollies back to the pet store because I am over stocked. Should I change the water before I get my new fish? It has only been 3 days since I got them.

Thank You!

 

[Rivercats]

There shouldn't be any reason to have to change the water if you've only had 3 fish in a new tank for 3 days.

 

[Platiesareawesome]

There shouldn't be any reason to have to change the water if you've only had 3 fish in a new tank for 3 days.

I know, but mollies are like living dump trucks, and if I put new fish in, will it effect them? Also, I meant new fish as replacements for the mollies and I have had the mollies for 3 days. (I should have been more clear).

 

[Rivercats]

It will be okay but if it makes you feel better then do a 50% WC. What you don't want to do is add new fish and then do a WC right away. That puts too much stress and change on fish that are newly added.

 

[Platiesareawesome]

It will be okay but if it makes you feel better then do a 50% WC. What you don't want to do is add new fish and then do a WC right away. That puts too much stress and change on fish that are newly added.

Okay thanks! One more question: since the mollies have been in there for 3 days, and I plan to change the water weekly, should I change the water in a week, or in 4 days once I get my fish?

 

[BBradbury]

Your Mollies

Hello! As you might know, I am taking my 3 balloon mollies back to the pet store because I am over stocked. Should I change the water before I get my new fish? It has only been 3 days since I got them.

Thank You!

Hello Plat...

Please refresh my memory. Why are we returning the fish? Is the tank way too small? The reason being: large frequent water changes will make up for tank conditions that may be a little bit crowded. Granted Mollies are the most particular of the "livebearers" about their water conditions. But, Mollies are nice fish and make for a nice "community" tank.

Just a little curious,

B

 

[Platiesareawesome]

Hello Plat...

Please refresh my memory. Why are we returning the fish? Is the tank way too small? The reason being: large frequent water changes will make up for tank conditions that may be a little bit crowded. Granted Mollies are the most particular of the "livebearers" about their water conditions. But, Mollies are nice fish and make for a nice "community" tank.

Just a little curious,

B

Hi! I have heard from a lot of people that balloon mollies need/prefer 20-30 gallons, and I only have a 10 gallon. I really love my mollies, but I'd rather have different fish that will be happy in a tank of my size. Maybe platies are a better choice? Also, do you know anything about variatus platies? Can I put a few in a 10 gallon?

 

[Rivercats]

Hi! I have heard from a lot of people that balloon mollies need/prefer 20-30 gallons, and I only have a 10 gallon. I really love my mollies, but I'd rather have different fish that will be happy in a tank of my size. Maybe platies are a better choice? Also, do you know anything about variatus platies? Can I put a few in a 10 gallon?

Platies aren't a great choice for a 10g IMO either as they also have a high bio-load. If you want live bearers then Guppies or Endlers are a good choice. Otherwise you have other options for small fish and or shrimp that would be a good choice.

As for the WC if you are trying to keep a certain day weekly schedule then just stick to it as long as your not doing a WC the day of or after adding new fish.

 

[BBradbury]

Small Aquarium Fish

Hi! I have heard from a lot of people that balloon mollies need/prefer 20-30 gallons, and I only have a 10 gallon. I really love my mollies, but I'd rather have different fish that will be happy in a tank of my size. Maybe platies are a better choice? Also, do you know anything about variatus platies? Can I put a few in a 10 gallon?

Hello again Plat...

I never felt I could keep the tank water clean in such a small tank. I've heard you can keep Tetras, White Clouds and Danios in small tanks, but frequent water changes would seem to me to be a must to keep the water chemistry stable. Somewhat larger fish like Mollies and Platys would be best kept in a minimum of 30 gallons.

B