My mollie has had babies, help!?

Question

I noticed a while ago that one of my mollies was pregnant, but assumed that the babies would probably all get eaten. However I now have about 8 fry that are a little big now to get eaten. I only have a 10 gallon tank and it already has 4 full sized mollies in it, what can I do? Can they stay in the 10 gallon tank for a while longer? I can't afford a whole new tropical set-up! Also will the fry be OK while I'm on holiday? I was going to put one of those holiday bricks in the tank will that be OK for them?

Thanks!

Answer 1

They should be okay in there, you may have to change the water a little more often is all. I have never heard of a holiday brick..... so no idea sry.

Answer 2

How old are your babies? Molly fry are usually big enough to be out of the breeding net at 2-3 months. I'm currently raising about 6 adult balloon mollies in a 20 gallon tank. If they can't fit in the mouths of the adults, they should be fine. Fry should be ok with the holiday bricks. They will just pick at it and eat whatever debris comes off of it. I recommend getting a larger tank soon - 4 full sized mollies plus 8 juveniles will need lots of room, I would move up to a 20 gallon tank, perhaps even a 29 gallon to give them room to grow and keep the water quality clean. Good luck!

Answer 3

DON'T use the food block,they are just water polluters. The fry will probably be OK. No harm will be inflicted if your fish aren't feed for several days,up to two weeks. The best way to deal with an absence is to stop feeding two days before departure,and on the day of departure do a good 25% water change (think a nice clean tank with clean water). Go and enjoy your holiday with a clear conscience,secure in the knowledge that your fish will actually benefit from the clean water and the short fast.
We go SCUBA diving several times a year,and this is how we leave our 8 tanks, the long exposure to un-polluted water seems to trigger spawning instincts about two weeks after our return. I've left my fish for as long as two weeks,with absolutely no ill effects. I promise none off your fish will starve,if you think about it seasonal happenings in the wild probably deprive fish of food for much longer periods of time.

Answer 4

I would advise that you either put the baby fish in another tank altogether, this is what i do with mine to be on the safe side, or to get a net that goes into the tank with the other fish and this protects the babys from coming to any harm. The nets are fairly cheap and you will find them in most fish stores.

Answer 5

They should be fine as long as you do extra water changes, and keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrates. I've never liked the "holiday bricks" they tend to dissolve too quickly and make the water murky look into a automatic feeder there are some great ones. I use them frequently when I'm going to be a way for a few days. http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2769126&f=Taxonomy%2FPET%2F2769126&cp=2767036&f=PAD%2FType+1%2FAutomatic+Feeders&fbc=1&fbn=Type+1%7CAutomatic+Feeders&fbx=0

Answer 6

No, i would not advise it.. once I had my molly toddlers (60) I saved them in a breeding internet for 2 reasons. a million- they might get eaten by using the different mollies, 2- the clear out might suck them up. positioned them in a breeding internet for proper now, yet after a pair weeks or a month, you are able to desire to place them in a proper tank, whether it must be distinctive from the grownup tank. you are able to desire to apply a bowl, or a huge empty vase.

Answer 7

Well you sound like you dont want them....

If you dont want them just leave them to fend for themselves. If you do want them to live but not to keep then your local fish shop should take them, or you could always try eBay

Answer 8

give them away if you can't house them. friends always like new fish!!