Choosing tank size for Mollies
Molly fish, commonly known as mollies are some of the most beautiful aquarium fish one can keep. There are several breeds in the market such as black molly, the balloon belly molly, and the Dalmatian molly among others. Regardless of their breeds, the care issues such as the tank size requirements and the feeding are basically the same. However, when choosing the right tank size for molly fish, the size of some varieties can compel one to go for a smaller or a larger tank size.
How many Molly Fish my tank can accomodate?
When choosing a tank for mollies one needs to consider several things. Firstly, the number of mollies to be put into one tank. The best number of mollies that can survive comfortably in one tank ought to be less than 10 or 1 in every 5 gallon. However, there can be more mollies in case the tank is large enough and the variety of mollies to be kept is the short-finned molly whose maximum size is relatively small. One should maintain strict rations of stocking mollies into any size of tank. A ratio of 2 females for each male is recommended in order to control the breeding and the competition for space, food and oxygen requirements in the tank.
Breed of Molly does matter when choosing tank size
Secondly the size and breed of mollies to be placed in a given tank should also be a consideration in choosing the right tank. The short-finned molly is relatively small and therefore undemanding in tank size. This variety grows to a maximum size of 4 inches (10 cm) and it can be housed comfortably in a 10-gallon tank. However, one can provide them with a 29 gallon tank, if they really want to have them thrive. The sailfin mollies which grow to a maximum size of 6 inches (15 cm) require a tank with a minimum capacity of 29 gallons (110 liters). The larger the tank, the more stable is the environment for the fish since mollies are prone to issues that come with sudden fluctuations in water quality- an issue common in smaller tanks.
The 29-gallon tank accommodates only a small group of mollies and larger groups need larger tanks of about 45 gallons (170 liters). Larger tanks provide appropriate water conditions as the population of the mollies increase. The black molly is a highly suited for community tanks because it is relatively peaceful.
Thirdly, the tank size should also be reasonably big in order to accommodate plants and the lifestyle of the mollies. Adult mollies appreciate a heavily planted tank. Some of the plants recommended for growth are java fern, anubias and vallisneria. Alternatively, one can have a thick algae mat on the floor of the tank. On one corner of the tank, some floating plants are necessary in order to promote the rearing of mollies outside the breeding tank. Moreover, some mollies are timid and they get bullied by the others and as such they need hiding places. Larger tanks are a good choice because they can accommodate plants and the fish while providing an almost natural habitat for the fish to thrive.
The shape of the tank does not matter much as long as the tank is big enough to accommodate the mollies and their lifestyle.
The size of tank that you will need for your molly fish will depend on the number of fish that you have and the size of the fish. As a general rule, molly fish should be kept in a tank that is at least 20 gallons in size. However, it is a good idea to aim for a larger tank if possible, as this will provide the fish with more room to swim and will make it easier to maintain good water quality.
Here are some general guidelines for tank size and stocking density for molly fish:
- For a single molly fish, a 20-gallon tank is sufficient.
- For a pair of molly fish, a 30-gallon tank is recommended.
- For a group of molly fish, a 50-gallon tank is recommended.
It is important to remember that these are general guidelines and that the actual size of tank that you will need may vary depending on the specific needs of your fish. In general, it is a good idea to aim for a larger tank rather than a smaller one, as this will provide the fish with more room to swim and will make it easier to maintain good water quality.
how many mollies can I put in a 130 gallon tank if that is all have in tank
You can fit about 26 mollys
1 per 2 gallons usually in 3s (mff). So abt 65 with llots of plants and decor, I would start with thrity though, because a newer tank might not be able to take that bio load.
How many gallons would be needed for 3 mollies?
How many gallons does one dalmation molly need?
5 is the minimum for even one but you can keep up to 3 in a 5 gal.
I have a 7.5 gallon tank, can i have Mollies or is the tank too small? If yes, how many Mollies can i have?
You can keep 3-4
i have 3 molly fishes in 6-gallon tank is it safe to keep them in such a tank have a small size but i have air pump and light in it and some stones o the ground
can i keep them healthy in that??
does it have a filter? a filter is a requirement especially for a tank of that size. you also need gravel if you dont have some you didnt say and a heater because they are a tropical species. but a 6 gallon is a perfect size for the smaller mollys but bigger is always better
Surely, it may sound unbelievable but 2 black mollies of mine lived in a 1 gallon bowl for 5 years without any filter, air pump (although I placed one a year later) and regular maintenance of the bowl. Believe me, mollies are one of the most hardy fish. They will be fine in a 6 gallon tank. Just make sure you don’t overfeed them and give a good quality fish food (personally prefered – optimum micro pallet)
Surely, it may sound unbelievable but 2 black mollies of mine lived in a 1 gallon bowl for 5 years without any filter, air pump (although I placed one a year later) and regular maintenance of the bowl. Believe me, mollies are one of the most hardy fish. They will be fine in a 6 gallon tank. Just make sure you don’t overfeed them and give a good quality fish food (personally prefered – optimum micro pallet)
Yes, they will live up to 10 years in a 6-gallon tank!
I have a 20-gallon long tank.
How many mollies can I safely have in there so they can thrive?
id say about 5 at minimum if you want them to thrive but in a 20 you could safely keep up to ~10-15
Yes i have
2 Dalmatian mollies in a 39 gallon tank along with 3 serpae tetras and 2 mystery snails 1 of the mollies is white and it is female the other molly is black and is male the female is now pregnant
How many gallons does one dalmation molly need?
Could I get away by using a 10 gallon aquarium for a couple of months until I can afford a 30 gallon?
you could probably keep them in a ten for most or all of their life but if you are going to keep them in a 30 that’s the best for them
I have 10 fry.. if I wanted to keep all.of them, how big of a tank would I need?
I have a 32 gallon tank with a frog and Betta and 3 catfish….plus idk how many mollies. They have completely taken over my tank!! The female had babies 4 times smh. I heard they are hard to keep but seems like it’s easy for me. I let the cycle of life happen. Who ever makes it…makes it. Not to mention the other fish I had have completely disappeared!!!
I have 4 silve, 2 gold and 2 black mollies with 4 tiger barb fishes in a 5 gallon tank with a proper purifier, light and oxygen without any planta or stones
Is that environment good enough for them or she’ll I upgrade tank size. If I need to, what would you suggest and how soon should if upgrade tank if required
Can I keep marble lyretail molly in a 29 gallon tank? Google says you need a 30 gallon tank, but I’m wondering if 29 is good enough. If it is, how many can go in it? They get about 5 inches long. The ones at the pet store that I would buy are already like 5 inches long.
I HAVE 4 MOLLIES WHO SEEM HAPPY BUT IVE NOW GOT 37 MOLLY BABIES. IVE PUT THEM IN ANOTHER TANKBUT WHAT HAPPENS NOW IDO NOT KNOW
Well, you could sell them to your local pet/fish store, or find people who want them, or if your not particularly attached, let them stay in the main tank as food or you can research ways to euthanize them
why all the male mollys getting thinner and thinner day by day and shaking then they will die.please advice me
I have molly fry and a 10 gallon it has 3 guppies a ballon molly and 5 neon tetras I got 10ish molly fry how many can I fit in my 10 gallon?