Aggressive Platys

I have a 10 gallon tank with 5 platys and a snail. The platys are 2 male and 3 females. I used to only have 1 female (named Libby) and soon realized that that was a bad idea and got the other two (Babe and Sunny) but it was too late the boys (mainly Arlo) had stressed her out to the point where she is skinny and weak. At least I think so, I'm no fish expert though . Since Libby is still very skinny and weak and Arlo won't leaver alone. I also have noticed my boys, Fireball and Arlo chasing each other around and nipping at each other's tails. I got a mesh wall to separate them and am hoping it will help. My main question is how should I separate them. Do you think I should just separate Arlo and leave the rest of the fish in the other part of the tank, or should I leave Arlo, Babe and Sunny in one side and have Libby (the sick one) and Fireball on the other side as Fireball doesn't seem to bother Libby too much. Also how should I help Libby to become un-stressed or is there no hope for her .


Other info:
•2 sunset platys- Babe and Sunny (who are new)
•2 blue platys- Libby and Arlo
•1 red wag platy- Fireball (the oldest)
•Tank decor- large fake hollow log with fake plants on it and a few other small decorations to put on the other side of the wall


Update: Libby has sadly died

 

Hello and welcome. You may have to rehome most of your fish, if not all of them. You have nothing but Platys, and they breed like rabbits, and will overrun your tank before you can blink. Also by putting up a divider, there is no way even one platy would be good for 5 gallons.
I strongly suggest that you read the post Stocking for a 10 gallon tank.
Anything that I have missed or given incorrect info, the more experienced members will gladly correct me.
Also is your tank cycled, do you know about the nitrogen cycle, and also do you have a API Master Test Kit?

 

Definitely agree with Blueman1914, way to many for that size tank, probably the reason for the aggression. I'd suggest upgrading to 20-29g tank or giving them back.

 

I have actually had the tank for around two years now, so it has been cycled. I have only had my fish give birth once (at least that I have noticed) and haven't actually had much trouble with it. Thank you so much for your help. I will look into getting a larger tank but I am not sure if I will be able to. if I do have to get rid of some would you recommend having all males or all females so that they wouldn't breed?

 

All males, females can kept giving birth for 6-12months after being around a male. What I'd do is look around for deals on tanks, filters, and heaters. You could also use Pool Filter Sand, which is really good substrate and cheap. Got mine for $10 for 50lbs, another choice is Black Dimond Blasting Sand. I've never used it before, so I don't have any experience with it. Blueman1914 should know more.

 

I have a second 10 gallon tank that was my sisters. Do you think that it would work to cycle that and then put the girls in that one and keep the boys separate or is it still too small like that? I really would like to avoid getting rid of my fish

 

Anders247, should be able to answer this question for you. One of our stocking guru's.

 

I have a second 10 gallon tank that was my sisters. Do you think that it would work to cycle that and then put the girls in that one and keep the boys separate or is it still too small like that? I really would like to avoid getting rid of my fish

Imo that would be OK, to have 3 females in one 10 gallon and 2 males in the other.

 

Ok thank you very much for the help!