Since platies can survive in water as cool as 72f, many people think that this makes them a good match. Platy fish are a great addition to aquariums, no matter your skill level or expertise when it comes to caring for aquatic life. With the right care, a platy fish should live between three to five years. Ideal Temperature is between 72 to 79 F (22.2to 26.1C). Platies are omnivorous, benefiting from animal and plant matter. Chlorine is not safe for your platies even if present in very small quantities. The platy fish is known for varying levels of pH but their preference is for something higher. They. Platy fish are part of the Xiphophorus genus and share a family with other Poeciliidae species including guppies and mollies, also known as being easy to care for and peaceful with other tankmates. Although platy fish don't require a lot of space, it's a good idea to get a bigger tank than you need if you plan on breeding them. Can you Plant Water Lily in Aquarium? The reason for their popularity is how easy they are to look after, but theres a lot more to these amazing fish than meets the eye. Platy fish are classified as hardy fish that will tolerate a range of water conditions. They can tolerate water temperatures of 70-82 degrees F and water hardness of 10-28 dGH. Platies prefer harder water that resembles their natural habitats. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. Platies prefer a temperature range of 70-82F. If you have only a few fish and live plants in your aquarium along with a ticker substrate (4-6 inches), and youre willing to perform weekly water changes at a 50% rate, you can get away without a filter. The temperature of a typical community tank, 76 to 78 F, will do quite nicely for the Mickey Mouse platy. After the nitrogen cycle, you can maintain healthy water conditions in the aquarium by performing regular water changes weekly at a 30% rate for a normally stocked aquarium. In some cases and depending on how many fish you have in your aquarium, a simple air pump fitted with a sponge filter will do the trick, other times a hang-on-back or canister filter may be required. If not, the heater will likely be too close to your fish and could potentially fry them or cause burns if it malfunctions in any way. . The good idea is to get a heater guard that will protect the aquarium walls and your fish from any potential accidents concerning heating devices, whether they are external or internal. Platy fish cost between $3 to $6 each. If you have Platy fish, they need to be kept in water with the right temperature and no sudden changes. Let them boil for 5-10 minutes. Veterinary Disclaimer: AquariumNexus.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. If youre looking for something that can provide continuous heat without having the expense and hassle of an aquarium heater, then this is your best option. Aim to keep two or three female platies for every male as this helps to divide the attention the males give them and prevents them from being chased all day, as they are ferocious breeders. This comprehensive guide was designed to be the only resource on platies youll ever need, and it covers everything from their behavior to feeding. The recommendation is one teaspoon per five gallons. Overfeeding can result in your fish dying either from the inability of their digestive systems to process so much food or because of ammonia spikes that result because of the increased waste production. How cold can platies survive? Theyll also accept vegetable supplements and boiled vegetables like squash, cucumbers, spinach, etc. See also. Platy fish Temperature: 68 - 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit pH: 7 - 8.3 Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: less than 40 ppm Alkalinity (KH): 4 - 8 dKH (71.6 - 143.2 ppm) General Hardness (GH): 12 - 18 dGH (214.29 - 321.43 ppm) I have learned through research and some trial and error that if the parameters are not right, your fish will suffer. #3. What about lighting? 15 Fun & Interesting Facts About Platy Fish. How To Choose The Right Heater For Your Platy Fish? Signs, Duration and Fixes, 11 Best Midground Aquarium Plants (Easy to Care For). Fish Keeping Guide is dedicated to covering what is important to you as a fish pet owner. For example, if you use an aquarium heater with a capacity of 50 gallons, its safer to use a clip-on model for small tanks. Platyfish needs less maintenance with the right . The easiest way you can tell that pregnancy is coming is by identifying the mating phase. Like how do Platy fish feel about heaters? In captivity, you should make sure your platies have their nutritional demands met by offering them flakes with vegetable components. How often do platy fish breed? You can find my reviews here. If youre using tap water to set up your platy aquarium, make sure you de-chlorinate your tap water and treat it against other contamination issues as well. I keep my temp at 78 in all 3 of my tanks. However, there are three species that fall into the Platy fish category, including: This is the rarest of platies and not often kept in an aquarium. Yes! This can lead to death when prolonged over time. Platy fish are classified as hardy fish that will tolerate a range of water conditions. Theyre active swimmers who love to play in the water. Come join the discussion about collections, displays, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, breeding, health, behavior, housing, care, and more! Place a fish from warm water into noticeably cooler water and it may develop whitespot because of the sudden temperate change. However, heating may be necessary during the cold months and also when running an air conditioner in the house. I really enjoy the aquarium hobby and love sharing my experience with others. You can put in a slice of zucchini, cucumber, shelled peas and all of them will eat that and love it--the platies, . Like I said, I dont have a heater on in my tank and it stays around 78-80F, and my house temp is at 70F or lower. These are hardy fish and arent prone to many fish diseases but common conditions like fin rot and ich can affect them occasionally. Platies are tropical fish and prefer warm water around 25C (77F). . As tropical fish, they need a constant water temperature between 72-82 F (22.2-27.8 C). Although theyre hardy and can tolerate cold water, temperatures below 59F are too cold for platies and can cause illness, reduced growth, and stress. You can get away with something less powerful for a smaller tank that will work at slower rates. These excellent fish come in all shapes and sizes, and due to extensive breeding, their brilliant color patterns can vary dramatically. Females can grow larger to about 4-5 inches. Do platy fish need a heater? Platy fish are also easy to breed and they make the perfect addition to a community aquarium if youre looking to set up a freshwater tank with multiple other fish. The goldfish will be happy in water with a temperature as low as 60, although going up to 74 is possible. The ideal temperature for platys would be between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit (25-28Celsius). Platies should be kept in a small group of 5 with the observance of some rules concerning the number of males to females. It is native to North America and Central America and can be found from central . Their colour reflections become brighter if they dwell in this normal range of temperature. If youre a newcomer aquarist and want the lowest maintenance fresh water fish to keep, there are some regarded as the best. If your fish is floating motionlessly on top of the tank, its likely dead, and youll want to remove it from the tank ASAP. If youre unsure of what temperatures are good for Platy fish, then yes, buying a thermometer is advisable so that you know where your tank is at all times. In both species, females are slightly larger than males. Temperatures can affect the lifespan of platyfish if not maintained between 72F-80F. If the tank water becomes too cold (less than 68 Fahrenheit), then your fish may not feel well due to their slowed metabolism, which could cause them to stop swimming around and eating. They have short bodies that are a bit fuller and short and wide tail fins. If its too cold outside for you to plug in an extension cord, a generator will be your best option if its available. Male are more colorful and more active, so if youre choosing based off aesthetic reasons alone, male platies would be a better pick. Fish will start to shiver, and its a sign of hypothermia in the fish. All of the fish I bought for the temperate set-up were on sale as tropicals, and at tropical temperatures of 24-26C/75-79F, so be aware when setting up your own temperate tank. If your tank temperature gets too cold, then the platys will stop eating, and theyll prefer to stay in their hiding spot. The water level should be kept at around 2.5 to 3.5 inches high and should have a good filtration system in place to provide clean, aerated water with each water change. Compatibility - Other Fish: Platies are peaceful livebearers, meaning that they do well in a peaceful community tank. I'm afraid if I unplugged them for any length of time, I'd forget to plug them back in. The Platy fish is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, and its not hard to see why! As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. you dont need to set up artificial lighting for you platies. Home Whats the Ideal Temperature for Platyfish? Most aquarium fish are comfortable with water temps between 76 - 80 degrees. Its not always possible or practical for one of your heaters to do both jobs, so a backup is essential. But the Dwarf Gouramis are the perfect size for these smaller tanks. Care level: Easy. My readers often ask if platies need a filter in their aquarium or they can go without. You can offer them spirulina tab and freeze-dried and frozen foods too. However, too Cold, and they will be sluggish, too hot, and they can get stressed or develop a bacterial infection. However, too Cold, and they will be sluggish, too hot, and they can get stressed or develop a bacterial infection. Platy fish that are pregnant often become bloated with a noticeably distended abdomen. Plenty of water changes and a consistent temperature will keep your Platy fish happy. Although theyre regarded as a good tankmate for most species, there are some that suit their nature better than others, so consider adding these other peaceful fish into the mix if you plan on keeping platies. What vegetables can platy fish eat? As far as feeding schedules go, this depends on their age. In addition, live plants would add more oxygen to the water, helping your fish stay healthy and happy. If youve been wondering what are the best fish to add to your tank or aquarium setup, read on to see the answers to some commonly asked questions people have about the various species. Read more. Temperature- as low as 15c Subtropical Aquarium Water pH - in range from 6.8 to 8.0. Heres how to fix high temperatures and save your fish: In general, reduce the exposure of the aquarium to natural or artificial lights, known to be capable of increasing the water temperature. Your Platy will survive on flake food alone, but the live food . Is platies schooling fish? Keeping the water's pH in between 6.8 and 8.5 is ideal for the green lantern platy fish but it won't matter if it's slightly off. If there are too many males, they will constantly chase females to reproduce. Any temperature above 82F is too hot for platyfish and can lead to suffocation and stress. What Happens If The Temperature Changes Suddenly? Just like when you set up your aquarium, during water changes make sure you remove chlorine from your tap water before you add it to the aquarium. And itll also tell you if a heater needs to be adjusted or replaced with one that has more power for the size tank. The water should be kept between a pH of 6 and 7, with a temperature range of 72 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The average size of a male molly is about 3 inches. The size you select will depend on the size of your tank or fishbowl. Temperature : 65F - 77F (18C - 25C) Water Hardness : 10 to 25 dH. Like guppies and swordtails, they are live bearers so expect some platy juniors in the future! You can purchase an aquarium or submersible heater, but these are not always recommended if your setup does not allow you to control the placement of the heater. Most of the Gouramis you get are large to medium-sized, but these bigger Fish can take up a large amount of tank space and crowd a 10- or 20-gallon tank. Itll let you control the temperature and avoid rapid fluctuations that may cause health problems, poor coloration, lethargy, and even death. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the water is too hot, it can not only burn your platies but also contain less oxygen. However, they are not picky and accept virtually any food, including flake, freeze-dried, frozen, and live foods. No ammonia (0 ppm). Although easy to care for, that doesnt mean they can be left to their own devices to thrive. What do platy fish like to live in? But there are some important things you need to know about them before you get your own! Temperatures higher than 82 can be stressful as can temperatures below 68 (room temperature). Apart from the aquariums temperature, other factors also affect the color of platies, like genes. Your email address will not be published. If you have a water heater in your tank, this shouldn't be too much of an issue, but if not, you must invest in one because Platy fish are tropical fish, which means that they need to be kept in the heated water time. It is very important not to over-feed your Platy. These fish are peaceful and beautiful. . Remember, Platies live wild in warm, slow-moving, highly vegetated areas, so adding live aquarium plants makes a great addition to their habitat. The ideal temperature for platys would be between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit (25-28Celsius). Music Types and Loudness. Once the nitrogen cycle is completed (it can take up to 6-8 weeks for it to complete), you can start adding fish to your aquarium and continue monitoring for toxin levels. Suitable temperatures are from 64-77F (18C - 25C) Recommend pH is from 7 to 8. One of the biggest misconceptions about owning fish of any kind is that its a cheap and easy hobby to get into. Theyre a live-bearing species that spawn fully-formed, ready-to-swim juveniles. Whats the Ideal Temperature for Platyfish? As smaller fish they dont take up a lot of room but still, need adequate space to live. There are even more questions you need to find answers to. I keep my "Livebearer" tanks at around 78. Platies originally come from tropical waters that are considered warm. Not being big fish, a medium-sized aquarium will be ok for your platy provided that you dont keep them in large numbers. Its a good idea to invest in an aquarium thermometer so you can make sure the temperature is not fluctuating too much or going below what your Platy Fish need for their habitat. If your platies mate, pregnancy is set to arrive soon. The red wagtail platy is a pleasant and peaceful freshwater fish that's both hardy and active. Make sure you observe platy male to female ratio recommendations, so you dont end up with a lot of fry. Should You Invest in A Spare Heater For Your Platy Fish? Key Facts: Experience Required: None Nickname: Moonfish Color Forms: Red, yellow, gold, orange, and black Size: 2.5 inches. Breeding the red wagtail platy is more than easyit's not a question of if but when. But live plants cannot, so its best to keep them at about 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit for their health and well-being. I also use this site as an excuse to spend lots of money on testing and reviewing different aquarium products! Disadvantages of keeping platies in cold water. Your Platy likely ran out of oxygen because the water got too warm. Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 5 gallon / 20 litre Compatibility: Peaceful community tank mates like Molly's, Guppies and Tetra's. Temperature: 18 - 26 Deg C / 65 - 78 Deg F Water chemistry: pH 7.0 - 8.0 Feeding: Platy's should be fed once or twice a day. If tank water temperature becomes extreme, platys will die from either too cold or burning hot. It means chances are higher. The platy fish is one of the cheapest fish to purchase though, costing between $2 to $4 depending on its size and color. . Swordtails Swordtails grow about two inches long and are peaceful yet relatively active. reply. Will Platies Get Along with My Other fish? Platy is a common name of freshwater fish in the genus Xiphophorus that lacks a "sword" at the bottom of their tails. Consider the surroundings of the room where a tank is kept before obtaining the ideal temperature for your platies. This doesnt mean they dont enjoy good water conditions or that you shouldnt strive to offer them the best conditions. The swordtail platy ( Xiphophorus xiphidium) is rare in the pet trade and difficult to obtain. pH should remain fairly neutral between 6.5-7.5. Generally, platyfish are not known for their longevity. Water temperature: Water pH: Tank size: Diet: Scientific name: 72-75F: 6.8-8.0: 10 gallons: You can tell if a female is ready to give birth by her enlarged abdomen or a dark spot located near her anal fin. If your platy arebreeding in a community aquaria tank, they wont be looked after by their parents, and its common for them to be eaten by other members of the aquarium. Platy Fish will live for about 3 to 5 years on average. Hey, I'm Fabian, chief editor at Aquarium Nexus. Generally, once or twice a day is sufficient for fish feeding and only a small amount of flakes or food is needed, so be careful not to overdo it. Keeping the waters pH in between 6.8 and 8.5 is ideal for the green lantern platy fish but it wont matter if its slightly off. Temperature: 20-26 C (68-79 F) Maximum Size: 2 1/2 Inches (6 cm) The common platy ( Xiphophorus ), also known as the southern platyfish or mickey mouse platy is a small, popular live-bearing fish. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Mickey Mouse Platy fish eat a wide range of food such as high-quality flakes, pellets, freeze-dried foods, and frozen foods. I'd like to not have to buy another heater. You could donate them to a pet store or give them to your friends with tanks unless you plan on breeding them for profit and selling those that survive. They are a big fan of the slow-moving water that can be found in warm springs, canals, and ditches. Platies are peaceful fish that wont cause trouble in the aquarium theyre added to and make an excellent tank mate to freshwater fish that have the same peaceful temperament. The salt probably will not hurt the Platies, but it's not ideal. Although platy fish are omnivorous and will accept just about any fish food, its important to know what they feed on in the wild and strive to meet their nutritional demands. Platies can handle warmer temperatures than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Guppy Tank Size: How Many Guppies in 5, 10, 20, 30 Gallon Tank. In warmer water, the fish will require less heat than those living in cooler waters. Platy Tank Size: How Many Platies in a 5, 20, 30, 40, 55 Gallon Tank? Platy Fish are tropical fish and are cold-blooded animals. Temp is more regulated by the temp in my house. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. There are so many colors available, so I recommend shop around before . You can buy flake food specially made for tropical fish, such as the Platy in your fish store. Alternatively, if youre worried about setting up a mixed-gender aquarium, you can opt for an all-female or all-male aquarium to avoid overpopulation and overstressing female platy fish. Platy fish tanks can get very warm if you dont have a heater or thermometer to check it constantly, so make sure that you keep an eye on how hot it is, or you might risk burning your fish. How, When, and What to Feed Them 20 Best Platy Fish Tank Mates Compatible Animals. The platy fish might be just what you're looking for! Platies reach sizes of 2.5 inches with females being larger than males. Adequate temperature - Platies enjoy tropical temperatures, almost in the same range as guppies. . If its too hot, they wont thrive and can suffer from burns on their body. If you have plans to add a platy baby fish to your aquarium, theres a lot to learn, and we can help you out with our ultimate guide to these amazing creatures. Ultraviolet lamps will help keep the water temperature at the desired level on top of a tank, thus eliminating the need for a heater and filters. For example, A 50-watt heater is usually enough for an aquarium up to 55 gallons in size, whereas a 250-watt heater would be more appropriate for 200 gallons or larger tanks. 88 degrees fahrenheit is pretty hot. PetCo told me the highest is 82F. In fact, its more than a hobby, because Ive spent countless hours doing research on different fish species. Unlike ice cubes, using frozen water bottles is preferred since it does not melt fast to cause damage inside the tank. You can find a platy fish in almost any common color imaginable with being iridescent and although small, theyre bright and friendly and make a great addition to any tank. How Long Can Platy Fish Live Without Food? The platy fish varies in size with the standard adult male growing to be around 1.5 inches and the female slightly larger at up to 2.5 inches. If you know the keeping requirements of platy fish, youll be able to provide them healthy conditions in which they can thrive. For the most part. Yes, this is a wise investment and one that can save you from experiencing any of these problems in the future: shock, respiratory problems, temperature changes suddenly. These colorful fish are not only easy to care for but they look great in a tank as well, so there should be nothing stopping you from adding some to yours. Mickey Mouse Platy Diet and Feeding In nature, this fish feeds on live foods such as insects and worms, as well as vegetation. Do platies need an air pump? . Some fish species are easier to keep alive which can be an attractive trait for the beginner aquarist who is still unsure of their skills. For small tanks like bowls or cups, you can put them right in the water. It goes without saying that you should let your aquarium water go through the nitrogen cycle before you can add any fish to it. Since platy fish are originally a species of tropical water, it requires the water temperature to be between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius to survive. Does temperature affect the lifespan of platyfish? If you have an aquarium or fishbowl, its never a bad idea to invest in another heater just in case one goes out, and your other one cant get there fast enough.
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