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I was just wondering how long it takes for the fry to get big enough to not be eaten?

Really that depends on what conditions you are keeping them in. In harder water (160ppm+) and a higher ph 7.4 or above, platy fry seem to develop faster. More feedings (7+) a day really increases growth rate, and vegetable matter is essential to rapid platy fry growth, so try to supplement with a quality veggie flake or spirulina flake (though something like HBH 8 veggie flake is superior to plain spirulina). Warmth is also important, 76-80F will help platy fry grow faster, as will regular water changes every 2-3 days.
I find usually my platy fry reach a size of 1/2 inch in about 8 weeks time. I allow fry to be with the adults at around 6 weeks of age.
Also, it depends what type of fish you keep them with. If it is only platys and other like sized fish, 6 weeks is probably enough. If it is larger fish like Angels, Rams, or Gouramis (pearls, blues, dwarfs, etc), Id wait probably till 8-10 weeks.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your fry!


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It depends what fish are in the tank. If there is just the adult Platies and smaller fish, I'd say it will take about one month for the babies to be large enough. But if you have enough plants in the tank, the most of the fry will be fast enough to avoid the adults from day one.

It depends on a lot of things...I don't remove my livebearer fry from the tanks while they are still young, and am always becoming overstocked. My suggestion add plenty of plants, plenty of hiding holes, and feed everyone 2-3 times a day, and you will have plenty of fry to deal with...best of luck...oh and to easily as well as cheaply feed them, just take your plain fish flakes/food and grind it up in a ziplock bag and dump it into the tank for everyone to enjoy, it makes things so much easier...

heidi michelle


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Last edited by heidi michelle at 01-May-2005 16:23

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

The general rule is large enough not to fit in the mouth of the largest fish in the tank.

I have guppy fry in a 5g that are 8 weeks old now. The tank temp is 76° and the most frequently they were fed was 3 times a day. They are all just over one inch now.

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