Question about upgrading tank/new additions and controling the fry population

[emilyekk]

Hi guys!
I apologize in advance if these are too many questions at once but here we go.

? #1) I currently have a 10 gallon with 1 balloon molly, 4 corys, and 5 neon tetra - my molly had 4 babies leaving me with 5 balloon mollies. I want to keep these 4 new babies, but if any more reproduce I won't be keeping them. That said - what size tank should I look to be upgrading to to keep the number of fish that I currently have? What size tank should I get if I want to keep that number, but also add maybe 5 or 6 more neon tetra?

? # 2) I definitely am planning on upgrading the tank - just doing some research first while they are still babies - if any more babies happen to appear in my tank - what would be a good "fry eating fish" to already have in the tank in case this happens? I am happy to upgrade now because I was planning on doing this anyhow and also because I've never experienced my own fish having babies before - but I don't want to upgrade every single time. =)

? # 3) How long should it take for my balloon molly fry to actually look like balloon mollies rather than just teeny tiny silver fish?


Thanks in advance for your input. =D

[mac]

Hi guys!
I apologize in advance if these are too many questions at once but here we go.

Welcome to the forum.
That is fine. Ask as many questions as you want.

? #1) I currently have a 10 gallon with 1 balloon molly, 4 corys, and 5 neon tetra - my molly had 4 babies leaving me with 5 balloon mollies. I want to keep these 4 new babies, but if any more reproduce I won't be keeping them. That said - what size tank should I look to be upgrading to to keep the number of fish that I currently have? What size tank should I get if I want to keep that number, but also add maybe 5 or 6 more neon tetra?

IMO I would get a 20 gallon tank for the Mollies, and the Corys. The Tetras would be fine in a 10 gallon. Or you could IMO get the largest tank you can, the stock it more, or keep more fry.

? # 2) I definitely am planning on upgrading the tank - just doing some research first while they are still babies - if any more babies happen to appear in my tank - what would be a good "fry eating fish" to already have in the tank in case this happens? I am happy to upgrade now because I was planning on doing this anyhow and also because I've never experienced my own fish having babies before - but I don't want to upgrade every single time. =)

Female Bettas IMO are great at cleaning up fry. As for a up grade in tank that sounds fun. For me it is so much fun. Just I am addicted to getting large tanks. 100 ish gallons.

? # 3) How long should it take for my balloon molly fry to actually look like balloon mollies rather than just teeny tiny silver fish?


Thanks in advance for your input. =D

Depends. Should not take to long. IMO with right food and water parameters ect, 1-2 weeks.

Good luck,

mac

[Gemstone]

MOST fish pretty much feed on the frye...even the parents.

[rangur1]

i would say if your adding 5 more tetras that a 30 gal reg/long fits the bill nicely.

the tetras will be very effective at eating the fry.

balloon mollies should start to look like parents 1-2 months in.

[emilyekk]

i would say if your adding 5 more tetras that a 30 gal reg/long fits the bill nicely.

the tetras will be very effective at eating the fry.

balloon mollies should start to look like parents 1-2 months in.


Thanks everyone. I am thinking I want a 40-55 gallon, now I just gotta find it!

[PostalPenguin]

The most effective fry eaters I have seen are tiger barbs. They are in my opinion little pirhanas and will eat any fry they can fit in their mouths. They also are relentless on the hunt so that if the fry happens to hide they will continue searching for it. Most of my other fish will chase after a fry but will quickly lose interest.

Plus they're beautiful.