Platy School Blues...

[DanioSan]

Hi I'm really new at this..I recently got a 5 gal. tank with 3 sunburst platys..well my concern is I think one of them is pregnant and she's acting really weird i.e. quickly swimming in a loop motion from the smooth rocks up...almost like she's scratching herself in one motion. I just don't know what it is..the water is in fine pH level and in a good temperature. I've spent about 3 days of water cycling before putting in the critters. What's going on?

Oh yeah another question..can I put in more fish? How many more? I'm thinking of getting Danios..they're hyper! I'm planning on getting a 10 gal. tank soon..so any suggestions are welcome on brand or type.

 

[ChicoRaton]

I've spent about 3 days of water cycling before putting in the critters. What's going on?

Well, unfortunately, letting the tank sit empty for 3 days won't cycle it. Chances are, your ammonia is quite high, possibly nitrites as well. read the cycling sticky at the top of this page, and do large water changes, perhaps as much as 50% daily in that small of a tank, until the tank is completely cycled, then, you might be able to put in one more small fish. I'd advise against danios as they like to be in large groups and you wouldn't be able to keep enough of them to keep them comfortable in that small of a tank.

The platy scratching herself on the rocks may be skin irritation due to ammonia levels, or it could also be external parasites. do you see any little white bumps on her skin?

Hope that helps and good luck.

 

[DanioSan]

nope..no lumps or bumps of any type. But I do see that her tail has been messed with and her right fin is messed up..I think that the other platys have been picking on her so I think that would explain why she's been acting weird..they're all girls btw well the water is at the right level and temp I'm having no problems with patchy discolorations or bumps. I kinda figured the danios might be for a bigger tank, when I was looking at how they school I figured that it'd be best to wait and get a bigger tank. So bigger water change...hmm..do I have to keep adding in more of the conditioners when I do that or just put in some dechlorinated water? How does that work? Sorry I'm new to handling fish..