So my sunburst platy gave birth to 21 baby fry unexpectedly this morning. She had no gravid spot or a weight gain or a change in personality....so I had no idea. Anyway, I've never raised or researched about fry and how to care for them. But, I put them in a small tank (.50 gallon) and they seem to be doing fine. I literally have no idea on how to raise these guys, how often to feed and or change water, etc. I have isolated them from their parents, and the parents from the rest of my freshwater fish. So basically I have 3 tanks going, (3 gal. with 3 neon tetras and 2 white clouds, a 1 gal with the male and female sunburst platys, and a .5 gal. with 21 VERY small fry) is that too much?
. But the main question is, How do I raise baby fry???
I totally empathize. I am in a similar position. My first batch, the girl at the lfs wanted them for her own tank to raise. My second and third batches I have not been so lucky.
For my second batch, I had a QT 5 gallon already cycled in case of sick fish. I put a nylon over the intake valve on the filter and have them in there. I read you are supposed to feed them 3 times a day. I either finely crush up regular flakes or turn freeze-dried brine shrimp in a fine powder. They are about 10 weeks and going strong.
Then came the third,batch. I have them in a cheapo 1 gallon with a bubbler, no filter, fake plants and some gravel. The water gets pretty gross so I try to siphone with a turkey baster and replace the water with pretreated prime water.
I know,I,can't keep them in there for much longer, but didn't know,what,else to do since no one,wants them.
I've been cycling a 14 gallon to eventually move the older fry to while still hoping to give a bunch away. Problem for me,right now,is I need the airstone of the 1 gallon and am pondering whether I should put all 23 fry in the cycled 5 gallon until the 14 is ready. I've posted in a few places, but haven't received a response.
I would suggest at least,finding something that is 1 gallon for the time being since you have a lot. You may not necessarily need to separate the parents,from their original,tank. If that, then you can use the 3 gallon for the fry. Or, sadly, you may need to invest in an additional tank - even if 5 gallon - and start cycling it with some,substrate from your main tank to transfer the fry to.
That is what I am trying to do until someone wants to have some.
Here, craigslist is not a good,resource,for,aquariums, but many people find great deals elsewhere.
Good luck. I feel for you!
