Tank size?

[Gurglar]

I would like to have at least 2 mollies, 2 platies and 2 swordtails. How big of a tank would I need to have all these fish?

[YoFishboy]

A 20 gallon or larger would be fine.....with a tight hood for the swords..they jump!

[Gurglar]

thanks do those type of fish need a heater because in the pet store none of there tanks have heaters?

[SirWired]

thanks do those type of fish need a heater because in the pet store none of there tanks have heaters?

If your pet store is setup like most, the tanks all have water lines that lead to a central pump that has the filtration and heating system built-in. This eliminates the need for a bunch of small pieces of equipment in every tiny little tank.

So yes, you do need a heater. Those are tropical fish you are buying, and they prefer tropical temps. (78F or so)

SirWired

[ROLLIN]

There can be problems with only keeping two of each. If you have a male and female of each, the male will likely harass the female all the time. If you have two males of each, the stronger on will likely dominate the other. Same could happen if you have two of each with females as well. With only two of each species there isn't enough members to spread about the aggression (and they seem to like being in a group anyway). One of my aquariums is a 31 gallon male platy only tank, males only so I don't get over loaded with fry. At first I had five, it worked well for a while until one clearly became the top guy and dominated the rest. Now I have eight and it works much better. I don't know if I want to add a few more and a have a nice group of twelve or so, or if I want to add a group of zebra danios. Anyway, if you tried your two of each, I would go with something with at least a 36" length because the mollies (swordtails too) get quite large. Post back for more details if you want to try a bigger group.

[Gurglar]

well how many of each do you recommend because I really like the look of those three types of fish? How big of a tank will I need for the amount you suggest?

[Gurglar]

Mollies, platies and swordtails how many of each should I keep together? what size tank will I need?

[Ghost_knife]

I've merged these topics as this was a duplicate.

[ROLLIN]

well how many of each do you recommend because I really like the look of those three types of fish? How big of a tank will I need for the amount you suggest?


I would go with only males or only females unless you have some way of dealing with the fry (keep in mind that if you get only females, they can still have fry up to six months after being in contact with males). I would keep a minimum of six of each to spread out the aggression. If you kept that many of each I wouldn't do it in any less than a 50 gallon.