Aquarium

Liver bearers in two aquaria include blue platies, and yellow-flame orange fancy guppies poecilla. First pairings went smoothly without much success . .they appeared mated but did not reproduce. In my area, local water is more acidic than desired, so additional water softening and hardening (calcium factor) were increased with ordinary marble chips --frequently used in planters or landscaping.
The water chemistry changed to about 7.3-7.4 and was raised higher in the case of the platies.

Water calcium apparently as well as softening are important factors in these two species, and the budget aquarist (with water testing for acidity-alkalinity at home or with a pet shop (ie PETCO) can adderss the water chemistry satisfactorily. Calcium, as in reef fish is needed in an abundant supply for these live bearers. Prior readings about the platies have noted calcium and water hardness & alkalinity figures approaching ph 8.4. Adjusting the water hardness (ie calcium with the calcium in marble chips behaving as a calcite factor) did the trick. Both species abundantly reproduced.

As a note in breeding - the blue-platies return a true to color offspring .. there appears to be not break. Guppies have reproduced but are to young and without full adult color as et.

Quantities of marble chips would vary per tank --perhaps the equivalent of a half liter (two cups) in any place or scatter on the gravel bed of the aquarium will adjust the water. Gradually with platies (frequently used to softer river water) may require more. Calcium is necessary in all species for bone formation and nervous system synaptic function. Rinse the chips before using to prevent tank clouding .. and as necessary -- avoid using where the tank bottom is not completely supported (as in heavy rock) on glass tank bottoms.
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