platy help please

[shelley72]

About two weeks ago we bought five platy fish for our (empty) tank which we had set up. All seemed to be going well, water was fine (had it tested at the aquatic shop, have testing kit of our own on its way) but in the last day or so a couple of the fish keep hiding at the bottom of the tank in between the rocks and weeds. Can't be sure if it's the same two fish, but they swim about quite happily when you go near them and all five fish are feeding ok. They don't seem to have any marks or spots on them and I did a part water change about 25% yesterday (first one).

Do fish often hide at the bottom or is this an indication that something is wrong?

[Stropzilla]

Apologies if this is a bit basic but you don't mention it, did you cycle your tank first?

[shelley72]

Yes I did sorry. And had the water tested before we bought the fish, and in the week in between, though I realise it can change more frequently so have ordered a testing kit. I feed the fish every other day and just a tiny bit.

[Stropzilla]

Ok sorry you have no idea how often I hear people saying their fish are acting strangely and don't understand fish are not a "just add water" pet.

First thing is to water test yourself. Shops often dip strip and they are not the most accurate. The chemical tests are best. Small regular water changes like you are doing but sometimes a cycled tank will have some fluctuations when fish are added. Keep an eye. Are you treating tap water before adding?

[shelley72]

Yes but just with tapsafe.

Have just been watching them and the red platy is acting strangely. Have also seen a few baby fish swim near the rock . About half the width of my little finger nail.

Crikey. Now what do I do?! I take it the other will eat them if they don't hide well enough? Would that explain the fish hiding near the bottom?

[ShouldEAUldAcquaintanceBeForgo]

How long was the tank empty before you put the fish in and what did you use to cycle the tank?

How big is the tank and how many fish?

if in doubt, a water change will do no harm. Make sure you don't hoover up any babies! Tapsafe is fine, you just need to remove chloramine from the tap water. Other dechlorinators have vitamins etc but as long as it removes chloramine then that's enough.

[shelley72]

Well it's only small 60l and we have the five fish in. Not planning on any more - even though the man in the shop said more would be fine I don't believe him! Set up the tank with water and some sponge from a friend's tank which has been going years. Was empty for about six weeks?
Will keep doing part changes in the meantime.

Should I feed the fish just the same? I really didn't bargain on having babies

[shelley72]

Oh and its the 5 in 1 test strips I've ordered - are these no good?

[ShouldEAUldAcquaintanceBeForgo]

So you added the mature filter media and waited 6 weeks- did you add any source of ammonia in that time?

The 5-in-1 tests are OK, sometimes not as accurate (I've had problems with them in the past) but they'll do for now. The liquid ones I've always found more reliable and work out cheaper in the long run.

[shelley72]

No I didn't. But we are now down to two fish . The dead fish have had little white spots on their tails, like grains of salt. A quick Google tells me it is ich. I've turned up the temp overnight and am going out to get some treatment this morning but think it may be too late.

Anything else I can do? Saw three babies swimming around last night - week they have it too? Was so pleased at Christmas that they all looked so happy and well.

Not sure why but I get far too attached

[shelley72]

Thank you so much for your help though.

[ShouldEAUldAcquaintanceBeForgo]

If you didn't add a source of ammonia then your tank won't have been cycled when you added the fish, so lots of water changes will help.

If you've turned the temperature up then it's also a good idea to increase the aeration- you could do this by adding an airstone, making sure the filter outlet is breaking the surface of the water and turning up the flow rate.

When do you expect the test kit to show up?

Fingers crossed for the new babies. Nothing wrong with getting attached to fish!

[shelley72]

Just got back from the shop and another fish has died .
Anyway ammonia reading was 0, but nitrate around 0.25. Bought a test for ammonia and nitrate as well as some waterlife (protozin?) for the ich. May be too late. So I've added that with the part water change, turned off lights, been advised not to feed for a few days and will just have to wait I suppose.

Not seen the babies this morning but the remaining fish doesn't look too bright. Not holding out much hope. Should the worst happen if I eventually want to try again, do I have to clear out the tank and everything and start all over? Don't want to fiddle too much just in case there are babies lurking

Thanks again

[EauRouge]

Oh no :(

Have you tested for nitrIte?

[shelley72]

Nitrite it was supposed to be, bloody auto correct. Went a lovely shade of blue purple. I must get on and do something. I'm spending all my time watching the fish. If the water treatment works, will it take long? I feel terrible that they went down so quickly.

[shelley72]

Quick update, the fish is looking a bit brighter this morning. Was surprised to see him still swimming about when I got up, but his fins are starting to perk up. Will do another treatment/water change/test tomorrow morning. Not getting too hopeful though...