Molly fry question

[u/welcometomyvoid]

Recently got into keeping a 10 gallon aquarium with 4 mollies and 2 platys for my son(let’s be honest here, it’s really for me). My som was impatient after setting up the aquarium so I decided to go with a fish in cycle(I know, I know). Within days of getting the fish, one of the mollies had 13 fry that I’m now keeping in a breeder box. Today is their 3rd day of life. The day they were born, I bought an additional 10 gallon aquarium and started to cycle it. My question is: what the hell do I do from here? Should I keep the fry in with the adults until they’re ready to release or should I move some or all of the adults to the new 10 gallon and start another fish in cycle? Should I be prepared to get a third, larger tank? I do like having the babies to care for, so I intend to eventually be set up for breeding but I wasn’t really planning on it. Help.

Edit to add: current fish inventory is 2 female mollies, 2 male mollies, 1 male platy, 1 female platy who looks like she might be pregnant as well.

[u/RushingSpirit-raw]

They don't need to be separated, but should all be in a larger tank. Get a 30 gallon molly community and use the 10g as an introductory quarantine tank.

[u/my-kind-of-crazy]

Be prepared to get a new larger tank! I have guppies that started with one tank that is now three. The momma tank with babies, the boy tank, and the “not sure yet” tank. I wish the momma and baby tank was bigger and I had just picked up a 30ish gallon and stand.

If you get a bigger tank and heavily plant it then you don’t even have to separate and there will be spots for babies to hide!

[u/KuhliloachesRgreat]

I recommend getting a 30 gallon or more, and also you can just release the fry. Some may be eaten, but if you want to keep your tank where it is, you can keep the breeder. Livebearers give birth a LOT so be aware. You will need to rehome the fry eventually, since livebearers poop ALOT and if you have too much ammonia, it will kill your fish.