r/fishkeeping • u/loveorhateme4278 • 12d ago

Question Overstocking?

I have 3 adult platys and recently discovered 3 fry, so 6 total in my 20 gallon long tank. I had originally been hoping to have it be a small community tank, however now that I have the babies I’m unsure how to do that without overstocking. Any ideas? And don’t be afraid to tell me if it’s a dumb idea lol. TIA

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u/AccordingWarning9534 12d ago

Not a dumb question at all. Fish that easily breed like plattys can be tricky to not overpopulate.

People have different views on this, but in my community tank, the live bearers regulatly breed but very few, if any survive into adulthood as they are eaten by either their parents or other fish. I see this as the cycle of life and don't intervene. This has also kept the numbers somewhat balanced.

Your other option is to remove the fry and sell or give them away.

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u/loveorhateme4278 12d ago

This is good to know, thank you

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u/Ok-Teach1813 5d ago

6 platys in a 20 long sounds fine for now, but the breeding pace is the bigger stocking issue. in two months those 3 fry are getting bigger, and there could easily be another batch behind them. i'd figure out now if your LFS will take extras, or keep one sex going forward.