Can platies and swordtails live together?

What is the best way to breed platys?

A consideration for aquarists breeding Platys or any other livebearers is the Penn Plax “Aqua Nursery” which automatically and gently separates mother fish from fry using an attached air pump.

What do you feed platies to make them breed?

They can be fed frozen bloodworms, blackworms, daphina, brine shrimp, and most other live foods that are available in your area. Breeding Getting platies to breed is not difficult – trying to stop them from breeding is where it starts to get difficult.

Are platies active in the ocean?

They can be a very active tropical fish if given good water conditions. Platies comes in many different color varieties including the salt and pepper, the red wag tail and the tuxedo.

How do you keep a platy alive in a tank?

Though platies are hardy, they still thrive best with weekly water changes and regular tank cleaning. Regular cleaning will also keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels as close to 0 ppm as possible. If you have live plants, this will help cut down on the nitrate levels and keep your aquarium water more stable.

Are platy snakes aggressive?

Apart from a general consensus about the Swordtail Platy being a little more aggressive than others, I haven’t found any hard and fast evidence about other varieties when it comes to the pushing and shoving.

How do you fill an aquarium water bottle with substrate?

What you are trying to do here is to fill the rest of your bottle with the aquarium water while not letting any of the substrate get out at the same time. Once the bottle is completely filled with both your substrate and aquarium water, cover the top of the bottle completely with your thumb.

How do you add Gravel to a fish tank?

Pour in the new gravel. The level of substrate is usually 2 inches or sometimes more when you have live plants that need enough substrate to take root. Transfer the plants and fixtures back into the main tank once all the new gravel has been added. Add the fish, with the water, back into the main tank.

Do platy fish give birth in groups?

Described as colourful and placid, the Platy is a member of the Poeciliidae family, and like guppies and mollies, will give birth to live young. We read up on their behaviour and learned that they like to be in a small group.

How do you change the gravel in a fish tank?

Checklist for Changing the Gravel. Turn filter off on the main tank. Fill holding tank 2/3 full of water from the main tank. Remove rocks, plants, and decorations and place in a holding tank. Move fish from the main tank to the holding tank and cover the tank. Add enough water to the main tank to allow the filter to run.

What is substrate used for in a fish tank?

A substrate is not just used for aesthetic purposes; in fact, it sits at the bottom of the tank and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquarium. Another reason a substrate is used is to establish the depth of the fish tank. The type of gravel you choose is majorly determined by the type of fish you have in your aquarium.

What is the best base for a fish tank?

There are different kinds of substrate available that are used as a base in aquariums or fish tanks. The most popular substrate used as a base layer is gravel. Gravel is made up of rock fragments that range from granules to boulder-sized pieces.

Can You Wash aquarium gravel?

To wash your gravel, rinse it several times under cold water and add a dechlorinating agent before incorporating it into your tank environment. Never use soap or other cleaners because the chemicals could be harmful to your fish. Purchase aquarium gravel online or at a pet store.

How do you set up a fish tank holding tank?

Fill holding tank 2/3 full of water from the main tank. Remove rocks, plants, and decorations and place them in a holding tank. Move fish from the main tank to the holding tank and cover the tank. Add enough water to the main tank to allow the filter to run. Turn the filter back on in the main tank.

Can I use aqua sand substrate directly in my Aquarium?

Most of the sand-textured substrates require frequent rinses before applying in the aquarium, to eliminate the dust and residues already present in them. However, with the UP Aqua Sand Substrate, you can be free from this issue. You can use this directly in your tank without washing it because it doesn’t discolor the tank’s water at all.

How to add Gravel to a freshwater aquarium?

If your new gravel isn’t in water, the easiest way to add it to a new aquarium is to scoop it out with a cup and place it in the aquarium a little at a time. However, if you have it in another tank for cycling, you can use the water bottle method.

How do I clean the gravel from my fish tank?

Scoop out the gravel from the aquarium and place it in a large bucket. Clear out the entire surface of the tank and then clear up the remaining debris as well. Wash the gravel with clean water until the rinse water is clear.

How do I change the gravel in my tank?

Checklist for Changing the Gravel Turn filter off on the main tank Fill holding tank 2/3 full of water from the main tank Remove rocks, plants, and decorations and place in a holding tank Move fish from the main tank to the holding tank and cover the tank Add enough water to the main tank to allow the filter to run

What kind of substrate do you need for a planted tank?

For instance, if you want to create a planted tank, you want a substrate that supports the roots of your plants, like soil. Likewise, if you have bottom-dwelling fish, you want a smooth, rounded substrate – a sharp substrate can injure your fish. [ 1]

How to pick the best size for your aquarium?

Here are my basic guidelines to help you pick the best size for your aquarium. Find the spot in your home where you will put your new fish tank set up. Take measurements of the area and mark them down. This will ensure that the tank will fit there without issue.

Should you keep a tank clear of substrate?

The most common method of tank care for an aquarist is to keep substrate in the aquarium. There is much debate over the pros versus the cons of keeping a tank clear of substrate. Substrate is beneficial in the aquarium, but it can sometimes be more convenient depending on the species of fish to just have a bare-bottom tank.

Can you put plants in a tank without substrate?

Of course, this is also an option, floating plants! This way you can have live plants in your tank with all the benefits, without having to have a substrate to put the plants in.

How do you clean a fish tank without a vacuum?

Cleaner fish are an essential part of maintaining a healthy tank naturally. If an aquarium vacuum or siphon is not available, you can clean the gravel manually. Start by removing the fish, placing them in separate containers filled with tank water. Then scoop the gravel out.

How to clean aquarium gravel without killing fish?

These toxic gases can kill fish so it is imperative to wash the gravel at least twice a month. Consider this first option as the best one! Use an aquarium gravel vacuum or siphon. Place the siphon into the water just above or slightly touching the gravel and drain up to 25% of the water into a bucket or sink.

Can I replace aquarium gravel in an established tank?

Replacing aquarium gravel in an established tank is debated because of the potential impact on the bacterial colonies that neutralize wastes in the tank. Some feel that most beneficial bacteria live in the substrate, and therefore the gravel should be disturbed as little as possible.

What is planted tank substrate made of?

Planted tank substrates are made from mineral-rich volcanic rock or easy-to-clean clay gravel that’s also used as aquatic soil for outdoor ponds. If you’re looking for a more luxurious look, you’ll find shimmering stones, translucent glass beads and metallic gravel to use as a bottom layer of your fish tank.