what does momma platy do?

I have a momma platy that looks like she is going to pop! Do platys drop the fry at the top of the tank? in/on the gravle? What should I look for. only have a 10gal tank I am going to get a breeder box/net. But until then what do look for?
Thanks
Susan

 

the momma will look for a quiet, isolated spot so if you can setup a corner with lots of plants and all, she'll probably try to drop her fry there. Our platy usually dropped fry at the bottom of the tank. Breeder boxes are often too stressful for platys, so i'd go with the netting if you need to. Those can fail too -- the best thing if you want to keep the fry is give them PLENTY of hiding spots to swim to as soon as they're born and carefully search for them to remove them to a separate tank.

 

Thanks for the info, But I do not have space for an other tank. I wish I did I already wanta 55+gal but I have to wait till I can move to a bigger house(hope to do so with in the next year).
Susan

 

would a tank divider be an option? to keep the fry on 1 side and keep the side with the try bare on the bottom for easier cleanup of their food.. although some will float through to the adults side.

 

I dunno if it is the case with other people's fish or if I lucked out, but my livebearers (platies, guppies, etc) seem to learn after 3 or 4 spawns to stop eatting their fry. I would say FLbetta's tank divider idea is an awesome one, as well as the heavy planting. Guppy grass is one of my favorites. I know this may sound like overkill, but it has worked for me in a couple of tanks; take a clump of guppy grass that is like half to 3/4 the size of the tank and smash it together as tightly as you can once it is in the water. The clump will still be a good size, but the tighter the clump is the less able the adults will be to chase fry in.

Best of luck with them.