How Should I Set Up My Aquarium for My Livebearers?

In the context of aquarium fish, the term "livebearers" may refer to any fish that give birth rather than lay eggs, but it is most associated with a few common tropical fish. Mollies, guppies and platies and swordtails are all relatively easy to keep and breed. These livebearers have similar tank requirements and a basic set-up is much the same for all. You need a moderately spacious, heated tank with a filter, gravel and aquatic plants.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon or larger tank with light
  • Gravel
  • Rocks
  • Bucket
  • Heater
  • Filter
  • Thermometer
  • Aquatic plants
  • Starter bacteria
  • Fish flakes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the specific needs of the fish species you plan to rear. Although most aquarium livebearers have similar needs, the ideal conditions for each vary. Mollies, for example, prefer slightly brackish water. Providing the ideal conditions for the species increases the chances of a breeding project being successful.

    • 2

      Wash the dust off the gravel and rocks in a bucket.

    • 3

      Situate the tank on a secure base somewhere that does not get direct sunlight.

    • 4

      Lay the rinsed gravel on the bottom of the tank. Generally, the larger the tank, the more straightforward it is to maintain. Use about one pound of gravel for each gallon of tank space. Position the filter and the heater. but do not turn them on. Also position a good-quality aquarium thermometer. If using an under-gravel heating system, install it first. Arrange aquarium rocks and other accessories in a way you find pleasing and, preferably, that includes hideaways for small fish.

    • 5

      Fill the tank with dechlorinated water to a few inches from the top. Turn on the filter and heater.

    • 6

      Adjust the heater thermostat as necessary to achieve a steady temperature of 75 to 85 F.

    • 7

      Wait a day before introducing aquatic plants. Keep the light on for about 12 hours a day. Aquatic plants need a light source to photosynthesise.

    • 8

      Drop a culture of nitrifying bacteria, available from aquarium supply stores, and a few flakes of fish food into the tank to start the cycling process. These bacteria process the toxins in wastes and are essential for the survival of aquarium fish. Leave the tank to cycle, i.e. for the bacteria culture to become established, for at least a week before introducing any fish.