I have two Mickey Mouse platie fish. (Along with a few other types of fish) My female is pregnant although I am not sure how far along. I noticed she was pregnant 2-3 weeks ago. (I was told its about 30 days till birth from start) So I imagine she is due pretty soon as, I am sure I didn’t notice immediately. Yesterday I set up a new tank for her to give birth in. I put her in alone and she seemed very stressed out. So I put in the male with her so she wouldn’t be alone. I was told that you should always have a pair together. (I plan to take the male out when I notice new birth or impending. I will take her out once she seems done) When I set up the tank I did put in start right and the temperatures where nearly identical in both tanks. Looking back I think that I should have floated them in a bag anyways because looking at the male he seems blotchy in color. Maybe now white spots? I don’t know as I don’t really know if his skin seems more blotchy or spotty. Anyways reading on the net it seems that many say they need a bit of salt in the water normally. Also I’ve seen it say that live bearing breeding tanks/nurseries should have salt in the water as well. And since he may now have a disease many articles say salt will kill the disease. I don’t want him or the mother/babies to have this.
I called my local pet store they say no salt. They said start right is all that’s needed. Apparently start right has a bit of salt. This is my question, dose anyone knows for sure? I am new to this. I really like the idea of watching livebearers have fry. I think it will be fun to watch them multiply. Oh, also I was wondering. My two tanks don’t have a heater. They sit at about 72. I was told that they should be warmer. I’ve had my fish about 3 months they always seemed fine. Should I put a heater in the new tank? If so why and what temp? Oh and also if I should use salt can I use sea salt or table salt instead of aquarium salt? I have these already.