2 platies, what next??

[denali1234]

Hi,

New to the forum, you guys must be sick of these types of questions, but here goes.............

I have two male platies in an established 10 gallon tank, temp is steady at 79 degrees farenheit and the nitrates are steady below 30 ppm (0 Ammonia and 0 Nitrites). I would like to add more fish, but am unsure what to add. I was thinking 3 panda corys, and maybe some male guppies ( I do not want any fry of any type). I had read that the male fancy guppies are very fragile due to inbreeding so was a little wary. Should I just go with four male platies and three panda corys?? I was also thinking three or four zebra danios and the panda corys but had read that the danios are better in a school of six, which I have no room for. I have also been keeping the water slightly brackish for the 2 platies at 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt for 5 gallons. Will I have to weed this out with water changes for the panda corys, or will they be OK with this much salt?? Will thgy need supplemental feeding, or will the scraps on the bottom be enough??
Anyways, any experienced suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I certainly do not want to overstock even though I am faithful with the weekly water changes. Thanks in advance. I have spent hours on this forum and have learned a lot!!!

 

[WinterWind]

Hi! Welcome to the forums!

I think that panda cories would make a great addition to your tank. However, I hear that they are somewhat delicate and are quite sensitive to water conditions. As long as your water is stable and clean and you do constant water changes, there should be no problem. I would keep a group of at least 3, which you are planning to do, but more is merrier of course. You also have a choice of pgmy cories, which are also a smaller type of cory cat (1.5 inches at their maximum). They also need good water conditions. I have kept 3 zebra danios in a 10 gallon with no problem. Even though a 20 or higher would be much better, 10 can accomodate a few of them. Another choice is white cloud minnows. They are very active and hardy as well.

btw, the cories shouldn't be treated as scavengers. While they do eat the food that the other fish neglect, it would be a good idea to get some sinking food just for them. Oh, and I think it would be best to get rid of the salt for the cories. Salt isn't really necessary for the platies anyways.

Good luck with your aquarium!

 

[tricksterpup]

Rule number 1, Platies or any common live bearer, mollies, guppies, platies and swordtails do not need Salt for the tank. This will cause more problems for your fish in the long run. So when you do water changes do not add salt. and it is best to do weekly water changes to keep your fish healthy, and to help lower alage problems.
If you are having platies, try some feeder guppies, which will be nice for a tank like this. If you can find a local store that gets guppies from a local breeder, then you can get the fancies. I particarlly like the normal wild forms myself. But I wouldnt add to many fish to this tank, atleast about 6, but you could add your self a honey goroumi or something like that for your tank. Something bright with color. and a few cories.

 

[denali1234]

Thanks

Thanks for the suggestions, I was thinking about white cloud mountain minnows, but thought that my tank was too warm for them (79 F). I thought that they did not do well above 75 F. If they CAN do well in my tank, how many should I add to my 10 gallon, which now had 3 platies?? Will the minnows be too fast and harass the platies??

Thanks