Fish dying and getting born

[yelloguy]

I got my aquarium started about 10 days back with 3 Platys and 2 Tetras. 2 days later, a Tetra and a Platy died. Three days after that the other Tetra died. I shut off the filter to take that one out and forgot to turn it back on and next morning, one more Platy was dead. The only remaining Platy is a Female and yesterday it gave birth to three babies.

Now the 15 gallon tank has only the mother and babies. I am not sure what to do next. I went to my LFS and spoke to the guy who sold me the fish. He said there is not much I can do and most likely I cannot save the babies since it is a new tank and it takes the tank up to a month to cycle properly. He said that I will lose some fish during this time.

Now I am looking at the babies and don't want them to die. For their food, I crush a couple of flakes in my hand and throw them in the tank. I am not sure if they can eat that. And I am thinking about doing more frequent water changes. So far I have changed about 25% water twice (in 5 days). I was thinking about doing it every other day now. Would it be better or will it cause stress?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[captaincaveman9]

keep testing your water and so frequent water changes and they should survive. just keep an eye on the levels and keep the nitrite and ammonia levels low

 

[Hooked Newbie]

Water changes... 50%+ per day is likely all that can save the fish.

The LFS guy should have mentioned cycling BEFORE selling the fish. That said, check out the sticky on cycling. You're basically in a fishy cycle. I'd recommend getting an API liquid test kit.

I apologize if you already know this, but...

In a nutshell; Fish wastes as well as decomposing food, fish, and plant matter contain Ammonia. Over time, a naturally occurring bacteria colony gradually grows to consume it. These bacteria in turn produce Nitrite (NO2). Again, a naturally occurring bacteria colony gradually grows to consume it. These bacteria in turn produce Nitrate (NO3). Ammonia & Nitrite are EXTREMELY toxic to fish. Even if they survive until the colonies are established, they will have suffered poisoning and will be more susceptible to disease and shorter life spans. High Nitrate levels can also be harmful and must be kept in check by performing regular water changes.

 

[jm1212]

crushed flake food is fine for baby platies.

fry tend to me more sensative to ammonia and nitrite than adult fish, so you need to monitor your water parameters even more closley. keep ammoina and nitrite as low as possible. if you can get some gravel or media from a tank at your LFS, then it will help along the cycle quicker than the 6-8 weeks it would normally take.

 

[rogers138]

crushed flake food is fine for baby platies.

fry tend to me more sensative to ammonia and nitrite than adult fish, so you need to monitor your water parameters even more closley. keep ammoina and nitrite as low as possible. if you can get some gravel or media from a tank at your LFS, then it will help along the cycle quicker than the 6-8 weeks it would normally take.

:iagree: 100%