When is it the right time to put the mother platy in the breeding trap?

Question

my platy is pregnant and i was wondering what is the best time to put the mother in the breeding trap?

Answer 1

Never.  The fish find it very stressful and will often abort or reabsorb the fry.  It is much better to make sure you have a well planted tank and just leave everyone alone.  The strong fry will hide in the plants and survive.

**

Answer 2

Don't put her into the breeding trap. Put lots of bushy plants in the tank so the fry will have safe hiding places.  The female will like having a bit of privacy among the foliage when she's in labor and recovering afterward. The breeding trap is stressful to the female, and trying to catch her to put her into it is very upsetting for her. She might abort or absorb the fry instead of giving birth.  If the fry are raised in the tank with the other fish, the survivors will be smarter and healthier. They'll be more fun to watch, too.

Grind the flake food into powder so the babies can eat it too.  Feed 2 or 3 times daily, but small amounts so you don't pollute the tank.