the babys on the way????? part 2

Question
hey, thanks for answering my question jamie. But i have another question.
How many babies can a pregnant red velvet swordtail give birth to? It's and awfully small fish, i'm guessing about 1 fish. Why don't my fish like their water? there is 0.25 ammonia well not anymore, i did a water change. What can i do to help the pregnant fish give birth? how will i know when she is about to go into labor? i'm planning on getting a tank divider bt i think the other 7 fish would be too crowded. When will she finally give birth? is there going to be blood? is it ok to put her in a  vase? (it's a big vase) ONce the baby is born should it stay with it's mother? Will the mom like get smaller and not be chubby after going into labor? I'm so so sorry for so many quesions but i've never had a tank before and never had a pregnant fish. I just want the baby to grow up happiy.  

p.s do i keep the baby in the vase or get a special net for it to grow up in the corner? How do i know when it's ready to be released into the aquarium? again, i'm terribly sorry but i've never supervised a birth. Please, i don't know anything about pregnacy in an aquarium so any help to any questions is appreciated. thanks you so much!!!!
*^Monika^*

Answer
Platy fish can have between 5 and 20 babies at one time.  They are tiny little fish.  It is best not to move the mother when she is pregnant or even after she gives birth.  If you have some java moss or other bushy plants and places to hide, and you have mostly just platies etc, it is usually ok to leave the babies in with the rest of the fish.  Not all will survive, but the strongest will.  Platies breed monthly, and soon you will have more than enough little ones in your tank. If you had ammonia recently, you have a ways to go before your fish you likely give birth. cycling is a 6-8 week process.  Have you tested for nitrite?  everytime ammonia and nitrite go above .25, do a 50% water change, or you will lose the fish, esp the pregnant female.  A vase isn't good for fish as they don't have enough room and no filtration.  If you are worried about the babies, you can buy a breeder trap at the store that hangs in the main tank and keep them in it until you think they can't fit into the other fish's mouths.