Livebearer Stocking Advice

[yegben]

Hi all, I recently moved my Boesemani Rainbowfish out of my 75 gallon with the intention of restocking it with livebearers. This is a bit of a return to my roots--- some of my very first fish were guppies and platies waaaay back in the day. It's a moderately heavily planted tank. What I'm seeking some advice on is what type of livebearer to stock this tank with? Guppies, platies, or mollies? I like the idea of a bunch of peaceful, smaller fish in a larger tank that I can watch probe around in that large space in the evenings. What I'm a little bit cautious about is having a major overpopulation case. Are one of mollies, guppies or platies less likely to create an absolute population boom? I also want to be able to get a bunch of different colors of fish (ie. I don't want to get all the same colour variant)--- are one of guppies, platies of mollies less likely to have their colours dilute out over a couple generations by mixing the colour variants? Am I better off to just choose one species only or do people have success with mixing guppies, platies and/or mollies in the same tank?

Current Inhabitants:
7 bronze corydoras

Current Tank Parameters:
pH 7.6
kH 4 degrees, gH 18 degrees
76ºF
Ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrates 20-30 ppm
Current filter generates a decent water current along the top of the tank

 

[mistfox]

It's been a while since I had either, but platies and mollies do just fine with each other with enough space, which you definitely have.The parameters you gave definitely work for them both.
Color wise, yes, if you go with different populations or different strains of guppy / platy / molly you're going to end up with different colors and/or have them fade if you're not breeding specifically for one. But it's also half the fun, as you can have a lot of different results! Good luck!

 

[chromedome52]

Guppies and Mollies can hybridize, though it is not common. Rather than Platies, I'd consider some Swordtails for size and color. However, they can produce a lot of fry, and some people find them slightly aggressive. There are a number of Molly varieties, but the range of colors is more limited. I think they are less prolific than Guppies or Platies, especially if you go with some of the Sailfin types. These are also more impressive looking fish IMO.

 

[coralbandit]

All male swordtail tank if possible would be awesome.
They will be very active in a 4 foot tank.
Swords were always my favorite livebearer.

 

[bgarthe]

If it were I, I’d go with many male platies and a few male swordtails. Or, mixed sex platies with a few male swordtails for fry control.

 

[tinylostwine]

I would not mix swordtails and platies as they will cross breed (of course many strains are already cross bred).

 

[bgarthe]

I agree, but got impression that breeding was not intended or desired.

 

[yegben]

Thanks for the responses so far. I guess one of the main things I’m trying to determine is the rate of breeding of guppies vs platies vs mollies. I’m aware that livebearers will eventually overpopulate a tank but which of these are the most likely to quickly get out of control? I also am not after large fish in this tank—- how big do standard non-sailfin mollies really get? I always see mixed opinions on their size.

 

[DaveKS]

Thanks for the responses so far. I guess one of the main things I’m trying to determine is the rate of breeding of guppies vs platies vs mollies. I’m aware that livebearers will eventually overpopulate a tank but which of these are the most likely to quickly get out of control? I also am not after large fish in this tank—- how big do standard non-sailfin mollies really get? I always see mixed opinions on their size.

Most platy can push 2+” at maturity, most molly 3”, some 3.5-4”.

Sounds like you want some endlers live bearer strain or maybe some blue lyre tail guppy which are available at most chain stores. Keep strain pure, get those strains going and once population starts increasing introduce some med-small nonlive bearers to mix that will help cull out the guppy/endler fry to keep them under control.

Glowlight Danio for instance, only 1.5” max but they will pick off guppy fry easily. They’re fast, active and always hungry. Maybe some marble hatchetfish roaming the surface area for another active 1.5” fish that will pick off any fry that try to seek refuge in their domain.

 

[TonyY]

Guppies and Mollies can hybridize, though it is not common. Rather than Platies, I'd consider some Swordtails for size and color. However, they can produce a lot of fry, and some people find them slightly aggressive. There are a number of Molly varieties, but the range of colors is more limited. I think they are less prolific than Guppies or Platies, especially if you go with some of the Sailfin types. These are also more impressive looking fish IMO.

agreed, swordtails looks way cooler(will prey on their fry)

 

[tinylostwine]

agreed, swordtails looks way cooler(will prey on their fry)

Yea but just remember that when one stabs you with his sword

 

[Redshark1]

Having extricated myself from an overpopulation of bristlenose catfish the move to livebearers sounds like my worst nightmare.
This is the only enjoyable spell I've had with livebearers. Platies. All female.
When I kept males of swordtails, platies and guppies the males were aggressive with each other so not relaxing to watch.

 

[Sewerrat]

If you want some breeding with population control a smaller gourami will enjoy the snacks.