Natural Population Management

Linkandnavi

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Hi all,

I have a 20 gallon freshwater tank which is currently cycling and I`ve spent the last couple of months planning its stock. At the moment my plan is to stock it in the following order (with suitable settle-in times in between new additions and monitoring to ensure no ammonia/nitrite spikes).

3 platy
3 pygmy cory
8 Harlequin rasbora
3 otocinclus
A few either cardinal tetras or ember tetras.

I've researched extensively to make sure they're compatible and not over-stocking. But my question is about starting with the livebearers.

Assuming two female and one male, fry seem inevitable. If the odd one survives to adulthood then that's fine. I can offload them to the local shop. But am I likely to be inundated? I understand that fry which aren't separated from a main community tank will normally be eaten (I don't see anything wrong with this as it seems natural - people may disagree?) but if I start with just three platy, are they likely to keep their own population under control or should I start with the rasbora and tetras so there is more in the tank by way of other possible controllers (the otocinclus are herbivore so will be no help).

Thanks.
 
I agree with itiwhetu, bu about livrbearers in general. They will most likely produce more than any of the fish will eat. If you do want to keep the, I would suggest only getting males.
Also, I would suggest at least 6 of the pygmy cories. They are very shy and don't do very well in small groups. Mine did best when I had more than 10 in my 29 gallon.
 

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