Next Step In Building Community...

[inarnia]

Hi,

I have had a small community (3 mollies, 2 platys, all same sex, in 60 litres) established for two months and if my test values stay constant, in a month I would like to expand it a bit.

I really want 6 or 8 of a little schooling fish, but I have an issue regarding salt. When I got my mollies and platys, my pet shop (who are ironically the most interested in actual fish welfare of any I've ever visited) did not mention that these fish thrived in a brackish environment. I only found this out on the internet afterwards. Since then, I have been adding the tonic dose of standard aquarium salt with each water change (probably an empty gesture), but have been reluctant to do anything more, as I already knew I wanted a schooling fish next.

Is there a schooling fish which it would be possible to keep with mollies and platys in a water which would suit them all?

If not, what would you suggest I go for next and how many to still keep the biological load low in the tank?

I am still very much a beginner so any misconceptions I have please correct me

 

[UKSPEED]

You don't need salt to keep mollies and platys, they will be fine without.

 

[inarnia]

You don't need salt to keep mollies and platys, they will be fine without.

Well that helps! In that case, do you have a schooling fish you particularly recommend! And how many would be best to buy? I want to buy few enough not to 'shock' the tank but enough so they don't feel outnumbered.

 

[UKSPEED]

I had 6 red fin tetra's unfortunately lost a couple. There are all sorts of tetra's and smaller fish out there that will be suitable, just down to your personal preference really.

 

[Louiseness]

What's your water like? hard, soft, ph? Although mollies and platies don't necessarily need salt, they do like harder water, and I'd look at your own existing water parameters and those of any fish you might like to add to see if they're similar. tetras tend to like soft water but some are fussier than others. Depends what sorts you like best!

 

[micko]

I agree with Louiseness, different fish require different types of water. Its best you work with that water you have and not try messing about with it making it harder or softer IMO.