Platy Help! From A Beginner in need of advice! Please Reply!

Hello, I am new to the fish world (Going to get all the gear and fish soon) and would like to ask a couple of questions about Platies.

1.) I've heard that Platies are peaceful fish. but will males live together in groups of four? I know some male fish get territorial with others, i.e. Bettas

2.) Will one of them become dominant over the others? I don't want one fish being a bully and stressing the others out, but if one fish has to be dominant, I can tolerate it as long as there is little to no violence.

3.) If I get four male Platy fish to live amongst each other, I will get each in a different color to distinguish them from each other. Will different colors affect their interaction with one another? Will one fish think my dalmation platy is a different species than a sunburst platy? Will it affect how they school?

4.) Will one fish become a food hog over the others? How will I feed them so that each gets a fair amount of food, and no one starves?

5.) Will a 10G tank suffice for 4 platies? I won't add anymore, maybe a ghost shrimp, but other than decor, that's it.

6.) Are Platy recommended for those that are absolute beginners?

7.) I assume they eat fish flakes and pellets, with an occasional treat of bloodworms or something like that. This is correct?

8.) A light hearted question, but what would be a good name for the fourth fish? These are the names my dad and I have come up with:
Zeus, Maynard (He likes the singer from the band "Tool", named it after him) Casper, and I need one more. I was thinking of a generic name like Joe, Bill, Jeff, etc. just for the heck of it.

9.) Last Question: What decor should I buy? I only want to spend 10-15 bucks on it.

The reason I'm getting all males is because I don't want 4 Billion frys. I heard these things breed at an insane rate.

Thanks SO MUCH for the help. It is a long list, but I want to make sure that all my fish are in a preferable enviorment.

 

a site about platys and their care. and one for having all males... good luck and I think a good name would be george! on another note, I would stress the importance of learning about and getting familiar with the nitrogen cycle...

 

I agree with Riddik George is a good name

 

Ok thanks so much Riddick1 I didn't think I'd get a reply in roughly an hour! I will learn the nitrogen cycle, although I don't know what it means yet...

 

Ok, now I know what the Nitrogen Cycle is. That's a bummer, I really want those fish! I WANT IT NOW! lol

 

judging from the site I sent for you about platys I think you would be ok to cycle with them( not 100% sure tho). I used white cloud and zebra danios to cycle mine and they all pulled through. my molly even had one fry and its still ok too! if you are really worried about fish loss you could google some stuff on fishless cycling...

 

Hello, I am new to the fish world (Going to get all the gear and fish soon) and would like to ask a couple of questions about Platies.

1.) I've heard that Platies are peaceful fish. but will males live together in groups of four? I know some male fish get territorial with others, i.e. Bettas Platies are generally peaceful. However, some livebearers, when kept in a male-only setup, will be dominant. I've heard it less with platies than guppies or mollies, though, so you may be okay.

2.) Will one of them become dominant over the others? I don't want one fish being a bully and stressing the others out, but if one fish has to be dominant, I can tolerate it as long as there is little to no violence. Again, the best I can do is "maybe"

3.) If I get four male Platy fish to live amongst each other, I will get each in a different color to distinguish them from each other. Will different colors affect their interaction with one another? Will one fish think my dalmation platy is a different species than a sunburst platy? Will it affect how they school? The color won't matter. And livebearers are not schooling fish, so no school to consider.

4.) Will one fish become a food hog over the others? How will I feed them so that each gets a fair amount of food, and no one starves? feed what they can finish with no leftovers in 2 minutes, and only once a day.

5.) Will a 10G tank suffice for 4 platies? I won't add anymore, maybe a ghost shrimp, but other than decor, that's it. I think it's fine.

6.) Are Platy recommended for those that are absolute beginners? They are fine for beginners, but cycle first!

7.) I assume they eat fish flakes and pellets, with an occasional treat of bloodworms or something like that. This is correct? Yes. Always presoak any freezedried treats in garlic juice or tankwater, though.

8.) A light hearted question, but what would be a good name for the fourth fish? These are the names my dad and I have come up with:
Zeus, Maynard (He likes the singer from the band "Tool", named it after him) Casper, and I need one more. I was thinking of a generic name like Joe, Bill, Jeff, etc. just for the heck of it.

9.) Last Question: What decor should I buy? I only want to spend 10-15 bucks on it. Personal preference, but avoid plastic plants - get silk instead whenever possible.

The reason I'm getting all males is because I don't want 4 Billion frys. I heard these things breed at an insane rate.

Thanks SO MUCH for the help. It is a long list, but I want to make sure that all my fish are in a preferable enviorment.

My responses are in red. Welcome to the forum.

 

Please don't cycle with fish. It would hurt your little guys. Read up on a fishless cycle.
And welcome to the forum!

 

Fishless cycling is always best but there are a few methods around it. You can use tetra safestart, or my new personal favorite, an active sponge filter from angelsplus.com.

I'm impatient and I like spending money, what else can I say?

4 platys in a 10 gallon will be fine. Sometimes you'll have a bully in there but it is very hit and miss, just play it by ear. If you really have to, you can always put a tank divider in.

Best of luck!