DP tank mates?

[Tang]

Currently I have 2 platies in my tank to be used as an ammonia source, and I am gonna be getting my DPs within the next few days. I was wondering if I need to move the platies to a seperate tank or will they be fine? thanks

[J-P]

Welcome to the board.. yep move them.

Anything with nice fancy fins that moves is a targets for DPs

[Tang]

alright thanks

[Pufferpunk]

How large is the tank? How long have the platys been in the tank? The ammonia from fish in there now, will only produce enough bacteria to support the fish you have & they will have to be removed when you add the puffers.

[blanketman]

Amano shrimps are great tank mates for DPs. the shrimps are bigger then the puffer and of no interest to them - and these shrimps really eat anything left behind from the DPs

[Tang]

The tank is a 10 gal and the platies have been in there for at least a month. But i ended up getting another 10 gallon so the platies will be moved there for good.

[LilGreenPuffer]

First, I'd like to point out that a fishless cycle is always preferable.
library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/

Amano shrimp may or may not be okay with your puffers. It depends on your puffer's personality. Otos are always a safe choice, but they need well-established tanks, say, six months old or more; also, they're social fish, so you'll need to take that into consideration when you plan your stocking.

[xrayjeeper83]

Ive read that, once the tank has been established for a couple of months, oto's are good tank mates.

[RTR]

But Otos need live, heavily planted tanks. I doubt that a 10 would be sufficient. I'd suggest a 20-long or a 29 for DPs and Otos, well established and quite heavily planted especially along the back. With the larger tank (29) you'd have room for fry.

[xrayjeeper83]

good to know

[Tang]

I did fishless cycle for the first 3 weeks or so with fish food and then put the platies in, and they've been in for the last month.