platy/molly breeder tanks

[t1doyou]

I have been occasionally breeding platys for several years now. I get some successful broods while I have some go bad. There are several different amateur breeder units out in the market but nothing that can come near to what I need. I currently have 12 pregnant females in my 55 gallon tank, two VERY amorous males. I have a few more community fish, but I always separate the fry to increase their chances for survival. Since they get pregnant about every 4 weeks, I can have a lot of fry if I pay attention. If we have any successful professional breeders or large amateur, can you share a photo of your setup?
I usually give them away to neighbors or trade them to the local pet store for supplies and other fish.

 

[DirkW]

This is the best article I've read on the subject. I'll be setting up my breeder tank in the next couple weeks, using this as a model.

http://home.clara.net/xenotoca/breeding.htm

 

[t1doyou]

Within the last 48 hours, I have had four of the females give birth. The first had about 70 young . WOW! That is more than I have ever seen from one mother. I thought she was huge! I was right!

The second had 28 alive, the third and fourth had 20 and 18 respectively. Now the trick is keeping most of them alive. The last one had about almost 30 that were underdeveloped. She also died during childbirth. I had one that had two heads and one tail. It is still swimming but I know it will not survive.