My livebearers are having babies! Getting a new tank for the fry?

Ive had my first tank, 10 gallon, for a few months now. I really think the fish, snails, shrimp, and plants are all doing really good now.
I have two mating pairs of fish, guppies and platys. Both pairs recently gave birth, and ive had a net box holding the fry in my 10 gallon. It seems pretty small, and of course im worried about all the food im feeding the fry.
I know livebearers can breed like crazy! So I want to give everyone space as soon as I can.
Im getting a new 10 gallon for the fry, and I was wondering what was some good advice for setting up the tank and new filter.
Of course my excitement for the new tank makes me want to put the fry in asap, but I know I must cycle the tank for a while before I can put the fry.
Is there any advice for cycling the tank and keeping my fry safe in their soon to be home?
Since im getting the supplies soon, ill be getting my second AquaClear filter, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to have two filters in the current aquarium to help generate the bacteria in the new filter?
Any help advice would be appreciated!

 

Welcome!
I think you could get some live plants and lots of cover and just leave them in there while the new tank is cycling. 2 filters would be fine, just cover up the intakes with a sponge or something so the fry don't get sucked up.

 

Congrats on becoming a breeder! (Intentional or not) You can set up your new tank much faster if you use filter material, substrate, decor, and water from your current tank, since those already contain the good microbes and the babies are used to those water conditions. You can run a 2nd filter in the current aquarium (will take time to get colonized) or just take a used bit of material from the 1st filter (already colonized) and install in the new filter/tank

Provide the fry with lots of hiding spots (plants like Hornwort with lots of little leaves are grreat) for their comfort and be sure the tank current isn't super strong.

 

Congrats on becoming a breeder! (Intentional or not) You can set up your new tank much faster if you use filter material, substrate, decor, and water from your current tank, since those already contain the good microbes and the babies are used to those water conditions. You can run a 2nd filter in the current aquarium (will take time to get colonized) or just take a used bit of material from the 1st filter (already colonized) and install in the new filter/tank

Provide the fry with lots of hiding spots (plants like Hornwort with lots of little leaves are grreat) for their comfort and be sure the tank current isn't super strong.

Awesome thank you! I dont want to take too much decor out from my current tank because I still want to keep it running. I can for sure use some filter material! How do you recommend I take current substrate and put it in my new tank? Sorry if I sound stupid ive kind of been relying on articles this whole time so I still have a lot to learn!

Welcome!
I think you could get some live plants and lots of cover and just leave them in there while the new tank is cycling. 2 filters would be fine, just cover up the intakes with a sponge or something so the fry don't get sucked up.

Thank you for your reply! Do you mean just put substrate and plants into the new tank without a filter? Cause if I run both filters in the current tank (and yes Im getting intake sponges thats a good idea!) then I won't have a filter in the new tank? Sorry im just trying to figure out what's the best way to go about the new filters and stuff thanks

 

I'd put the old aqua clear sponge in the new filter and the new sponge in the old one. You should still have enough bb left in your old tank and it'll give your new one a big jump ahead.

 

I'd put the old aqua clear sponge in the new filter and the new sponge in the old one. You should still have enough bb left in your old tank and it'll give your new one a big jump ahead.

Thats true! With the old sponge in the new filter, can that be running in the new tank just fine? I just want to make sure im not killing my bacteria and stuff for my current tank

 

Fry produce so little waste that I don't worry much about cycling a tank for them. I just cut a piece off my old sponge and add that in to the new filter. As they grow, the bacteria grows with them.

I personally wouldn't transfer over the whole sponge. Its overkill for what the fry need and may disrupt your main tank depending on its stocking and how established it is. I'd just cut a piece off.

 

Fry produce so little waste that I don't worry much about cycling a tank for them. I just cut a piece off my old sponge and add that in to the new filter. As they grow, the bacteria grows with them.

I personally wouldn't transfer over the whole sponge. Its overkill for what the fry need and may disrupt your main tank depending on its stocking and how established it is. I'd just cut a piece off.

Thats a good idea! Could i cut both sponges in half and then have half new sponge and half old sponge in both filters?

 

Fry produce so little waste that I don't worry much about cycling a tank for them.

Well, I do have to disagree with that. Fry produce more ammonia than you think. They swim faster. While swimming, the water enters the mouth and leaves the body from the gills that will release ammonia as well. Fast swimmers will cause more ammonia through their gills than fish that swim slower. You're correct when it concerns a low load of ammonia when fry defecate but that doesn't stop them from producing ammonia through their gills. A lot of people forget that.

 

Well, I do have to disagree with that. Fry produce more ammonia than you think. They swim faster. While swimming, the water enters the mouth and leaves the body from the gills that will release ammonia as well. Fast swimmers will cause more ammonia through their gills than fish that swim slower. You're correct when it concerns a low load of ammonia when fry defecate but that doesn't stop them from producing ammonia through their gills. A lot of people forget that.

Perhaps that wasn't the best way to word that.

I don't mean to say that we can simply ignore the cycle and not be monitoring the ammonia level in a fry tank. I just don't think its necessary to go to the same lengths to establish a cycle in the tank before adding them. Because the total ammonia output is just not the same. Regardless of whether its coming from the gills or the feces, the total output is still proportional to the size of the fish.

For a new fry tank, I think that moving over a piece of established filter media is enough to safely get a fry tank going. I would think nothing of adding the filter media and the fry to the new tank at the same time. And I would not be worried about having to do a bunch of frequent water changes afterwards to stay on top of it.

But with adult fish, I would move the media over, and then run a fishless cycle with ammonia until I seen for sure that I was cycling. Because in my experience, just moving over some filter media is not always enough to avoid an ammonia spike with adult fish.

Thats a good idea! Could i cut both sponges in half and then have half new sponge and half old sponge in both filters?

Yes you could do that.

 

This is what I would do if I found myself in this position. (actually I have )

When you set up the new 10 gallon fill it with 50% fresh water and 50% water from the parent tank. There is little to no bacteria in the tank water but it is the water the little guys are used to. Your original tank and the new tank will have just gotten a 50% water change once both are filled up.

Once done put the new HOB filter on the new tank. Take half the filter media from the original filter and replace it with new media. If you have 2 sponges remove one and replace it with a new one. Put that seeded sponge in the new filter along with a new sponge. If you can spare some plants from the parent tank move them over too at this point. Once done and you are sure the temp in both tanks are the same move the fry to the new tank.

Removing half the media from the original tank should not affect the cycle since the tank should be well established after running for several months. Bacteria will have grown on all the surfaces in the tank so you will not be removing half of it by removing half of the filter media.

Just keep an eye on the parameters and do water changes should ammonia spike in either tank. You really shouldn't experience an ammonia or nitrite spike and should start seeing nitrates in the new tank within a week or so.

 

Thats a good idea! Could i cut both sponges in half and then have half new sponge and half old sponge in both filters?

A lot of people do it that way too. It probably just depends on how much filter media you are still leaving behind. When I did this a while back, I was leaving ceramic rings and used filter floss in the old filter, so replacing the sponge had no impact. I'd think the used sponge in the new filter in a lower load tank would pretty much have you cycled, especially if you take some of the other suggestions given. Cheers!

 

Back when I had guppies I used to put one of those clear plastic hang on things on the tank for the fry. That way they stay in the same water. I'd just net them when I saw them and put them in. Let them grow a little bit and release them.

I'm sure there's a name for it... it's like the plastic thing they use at aquarium shops when they are netting your fish, except it goes on the inside of the tank and has small slits so water can circulate through.

 

Welcome to the worlds greatest forum!!

Do you only have 2 platies and 2 guppies? The males can over breed the females so I would recommend a 1M x 2F ratio.

In your new tank, use some of the water from your established tank and put it in the new one. Besides that, I would mess with the established tank as you could mess with the cycle.

Add some live plants in the new tank. It will provide coverage and little waster bugs for the fry to eat.

Another option is to put the momma in a breeder box. I personally use a large 1-2 gallon net one as the tiny 3 inch double holding ones will stress the fish out. This is what I personally did and then released the fry into the tank when they had grown big enough to not fit into the other fishes mouths. You do not need to worry about them getting stressed out if you have a proper breeder box.

I do not recommend giving away fish to your local fish store unless they are a mom and pop shop as they are often not properly cared for. When you get 50 post you can sell them on the forum. Aquabid is another option.

 

Back when I had guppies I used to put one of those clear plastic hang on things on the tank for the fry. That way they stay in the same water. I'd just net them when I saw them and put them in. Let them grow a little bit and release them.

I'm sure there's a name for it... it's like the plastic thing they use at aquarium shops when they are netting your fish, except it goes on the inside of the tank and has small slits so water can circulate through.

Breeder box? They also work well as a grow out container for mystery snail babies. I had 70 of them in one for about a month with lots of room to spare.

 

Back when I had guppies I used to put one of those clear plastic hang on things on the tank for the fry. That way they stay in the same water. I'd just net them when I saw them and put them in. Let them grow a little bit and release them.

I'm sure there's a name for it... it's like the plastic thing they use at aquarium shops when they are netting your fish, except it goes on the inside of the tank and has small slits so water can circulate through.

I think breeder box is the word your looking for?

Breeder box? They also work well as a grow out container for mystery snail babies. I had 70 of them in one for about a month with lots of room to spare.

We commented at the same time LOL!

 

Breeder box. Thanks.
Just what you would expect it to be called, lol.

 

Perhaps that wasn't the best way to word that.

I don't mean to say that we can simply ignore the cycle and not be monitoring the ammonia level in a fry tank. I just don't think its necessary to go to the same lengths to establish a cycle in the tank before adding them. Because the total ammonia output is just not the same. Regardless of whether its coming from the gills or the feces, the total output is still proportional to the size of the fish.

I do get what you mean when it comes to the cycle.
But I do have to make the remark that a bunch of fry will produce more ammonia than a couple of bigger fish. It' a mistake that a lot of people make that they look at the size of the fish (with the exception of the amount of feces they produce). A bunch of fry that swim faster in comparison to adult bigger fish will produce more ammonia from the gills. It's not particular (so, not always) that how bigger the fish, the more ammonia they produce.

 

You're gonna have a lot of baby fish. Do you have a LFS to take the extra off your hands?

 

Welcome to the world's greatest forum!!! When you get your tank, Put in the old filter media and gravel. Also, Purchase a water test kit to test for ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. Let sit for at least 24 hours. Test the water. You could also put plants from old tank in there too. Or, put part of the water from the old aquarium in the new aquarium. I would NEVER recommend getting a breeder box for the mamma fish to give birth in. The get stressed out and my guppies have gotten sick from it (Due to stress). Also, be prepared to give the fry away. There is always the chance for the pet store to say that they'll pass. These are a few recommendations. Good luck and be sure to update!!

 

This is what I would do if I found myself in this position. (actually I have )

When you set up the new 10 gallon fill it with 50% fresh water and 50% water from the parent tank. There is little to no bacteria in the tank water but it is the water the little guys are used to. Your original tank and the new tank will have just gotten a 50% water change once both are filled up.

Once done put the new HOB filter on the new tank. Take half the filter media from the original filter and replace it with new media. If you have 2 sponges remove one and replace it with a new one. Put that seeded sponge in the new filter along with a new sponge. If you can spare some plants from the parent tank move them over too at this point. Once done and you are sure the temp in both tanks are the same move the fry to the new tank.

Removing half the media from the original tank should not affect the cycle since the tank should be well established after running for several months. Bacteria will have grown on all the surfaces in the tank so you will not be removing half of it by removing half of the filter media.

Just keep an eye on the parameters and do water changes should ammonia spike in either tank. You really shouldn't experience an ammonia or nitrite spike and should start seeing nitrates in the new tank within a week or so.

Thank you so much! this is so helpful! about how long do you recommend for me to wait until I put in the fry if I follow all these steps?

Welcome to the worlds greatest forum!!

Do you only have 2 platies and 2 guppies? The males can over breed the females so I would recommend a 1M x 2F ratio.

In your new tank, use some of the water from your established tank and put it in the new one. Besides that, I would mess with the established tank as you could mess with the cycle.

Add some live plants in the new tank. It will provide coverage and little waster bugs for the fry to eat.

Another option is to put the momma in a breeder box. I personally use a large 1-2 gallon net one as the tiny 3 inch double holding ones will stress the fish out. This is what I personally did and then released the fry into the tank when they had grown big enough to not fit into the other fishes mouths. You do not need to worry about them getting stressed out if you have a proper breeder box.

I do not recommend giving away fish to your local fish store unless they are a mom and pop shop as they are often not properly cared for. When you get 50 post you can sell them on the forum. Aquabid is another option.

I have 1 male guppy/platy and 2 female guppy/platy. Of course! thank you so much
There is a local aquarium store who offered to take some babies off my hands. I dont have any friends I know with aquariums, so I for sure need to figure out how to get rid of them when I get too many lol.

You're gonna have a lot of baby fish. Do you have a LFS to take the extra off your hands?

I actually do! I mentioned having too many babies to take care of, and they offered to take some once they reached about an inch! I wish I had more people I knew with tanks to help get rid of them when I get too many!

 

Thank you so much! this is so helpful! about how long do you recommend for me to wait until I put in the fry if I follow all these steps?

I have 1 male guppy/platy and 2 female guppy/platy. Of course! thank you so much
There is a local aquarium store who offered to take some babies off my hands. I dont have any friends I know with aquariums, so I for sure need to figure out how to get rid of them when I get too many lol.

I actually do! I mentioned having too many babies to take care of, and they offered to take some once they reached about an inch! I wish I had more people I knew with tanks to help get rid of them when I get too many!

Put the fry in there right away. By doing as I suggested the new tank should be a safe place for the fry as soon as you get it set up.

 

Put the fry in there right away. By doing as I suggested the new tank should be a safe place for the fry as soon as you get it set up.

I followed your instructions, and I set up my tank yesterday and it has been running for 24 hours with no fish yet. I had an issue with another other tank, so I bought a liquid test kit and tested Ph, Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrite in all my tanks including the new one. I noticed the new tank I set up for the baby fish has a Nitrite level of 0.25 ppm, everything else is 0. Is it okay to move the baby fish over now? Im nervous to do anything that might hurt them so I just want to make sure!

 

I followed your instructions, and I set up my tank yesterday and it has been running for 24 hours with no fish yet. I had an issue with another other tank, so I bought a liquid test kit and tested Ph, Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrite in all my tanks including the new one. I noticed the new tank I set up for the baby fish has a Nitrite level of 0.25 ppm, everything else is 0. Is it okay to move the baby fish over now? Im nervous to do anything that might hurt them so I just want to make sure!

I suspect they would be fine but to be safe give the bacteria another day to pull the nitrites out of there.

 

I suspect they would be fine but to be safe give the bacteria another day to pull the nitrites out of there.

Okay! No problem.
Also, the tank I got for the babies actually has a bubble wall that comes with it, is that too dangerous for the babies?

 

Okay! No problem.
Also, the tank I got for the babies actually has a bubble wall that comes with it, is that too dangerous for the babies?

I have to be totally honest and admit that I don't know. I suspect it won't cause a problem but if you see them struggling you may want to turn it off. At least it is blowing bubbles out instead of sucking water and possibly tiny fish in. This leads me to believe it won't be a problem.

 

I have to be totally honest and admit that I don't know. I suspect it won't cause a problem but if you see them struggling you may want to turn it off. At least it is blowing bubbles out instead of sucking water and possibly tiny fish in. This leads me to believe it won't be a problem.

Okay, I have a sponge wrapped right around the filter intake, I think ill try to reduce the flow of air so it isn't as strong, but ill have it as safe as I can

 

Okay, I have a sponge wrapped right around the filter intake, I think ill try to reduce the flow of air so it isn't as strong, but ill have it as safe as I can

Also! My two guppies are huge again! Im glad I got ready for more babies! Im just playing around with the colors but these are some pictures of the set up baby tank!!

 

The bubble wall will be fine, my betta fry 2 day old tolerate it well. They are a lot smaller then the guppy fry!