How big should a Molly breeding tank be?
A molly fish needs at least a 10-gallon aquarium. This size would be suitable for up to four depending on the species – larger mollies like the sailfins will need a 30-gallon tank. Each additional molly will need around 3 gallons to live comfortably.
Can you cycle a tank with mollies?
Yes they may survive the cycle but it’s more cruel & expensive that way.
How long do mollies give birth for?
But unlike other species that may lay eggs, the molly fish are livebearers. This means they hold their young, or fry, until birthing live fish. But how long does that take? After an average of 30 to 40-day pregnancy, it will take a molly approximately a day to give birth to her fry.
How fast do mollies breed?
The gestation period of a molly fish is around 60 days. Female mollies can store sperm for months and may fertilize eggs as often as every 30 days, even when no male is present in the tank. Mollies may release 10 to 60 live fish at a time.
How often do mollies have babies?
Can you cycle a saltwater tank with mollies?
Yes, Mollies can survive in full strength saltwater. Livebearers are not the best choice for cycling an aquarium however because they are very sensitive to Ammonia and Nitrite, much more so then other fish. Hobbyists typically use Damselfish to cycle a marine aquarium or they use Ammonia additions to simulate it.
Can you cross breed mollies?
Albeit there being several varieties of molly fish, they all can be mated because regardless of the color or fin configuration, they are the same species, and any male will readily fertilize with all females. So, put simply, different colors and shapes of mollies are still the same fish and will readily breed.
Can you breed Mollies in a tank?
Breeding Tank Molly fish will readily breed in home aquaria if you have both males and females in the tank. For breeding, mollies prefer a tank with a temperature at around 80 °F, or even slightly higher. Mollies enjoy neutral to slightly alkaline water pH (up to 8).
What is the best tank temperature for Mollies?
For breeding, mollies prefer a tank with a temperature at around 80 °F, or even slightly higher. Mollies enjoy neutral to slightly alkaline water pH (up to 8). Although some recommend adding aquarium salt to the breeding tank, I find that having water with hardness of potable quality works just fine when breeding molly fish.
How to take care of a Molly fish?
The bottom level should be 1-2 inches of nutrient-rich material. Fill the tank with water near the top. Up to 2 inches (4cm) under the brim of the tank is ideal. The water should be warm – 78-82° F (25-27° C) – so the molly fish are comfortable, like they would be in tropical waters. Do not overfill the tank or put in cold water.
How many Molly fish can you have in a tank?
Then, purchase male and female molly fish so you have no more than 2 fish per 10 gallons of tank space. After you introduce the fish to the tank, wait for them to mate. When you notice a female fish with a bloated belly, transfer it to a different tank before it gives birth to protect it and its fry.