penguin1

Ok so I have had one of my brand new platys die 3 days after I bought her and I believe she was pregnant. Now last night I noticed my male fancytail looked totally pregnant along with my fm platy. I gave them some peas and now my other male fancytail's tail is shredded. What is going on? Can someone please help. All of my tests are normal except my ammonia is .25 which is a lot lower than it used to be since I did not cycle my tank before getting fish (I did not know about the cycling until after I stocked my tank). All of my fish are very healthy eaters and have a lot of energy. I have 2 platys and 2 fancytails at the moment. Help!

Shawnie

your tank has to be cycled...so daily water changes of at least 50% with some prime will help your babies survive..get some prime and it will neutralize the ammonia for 24 hours until your next change...goodluck!!

penguin1

I have had my tank set up for about 2 mo now and I do the water changes. I was told by the pet store I went to to get prime to just leave it because doing that frequent/amt of water changes will just start the cycling process all over again so she told me to just leave it and it will cycle itself on it's own. I still do the water changes with water conditioner as well.

Lucy

Hi penquin,
I'm sorry about your fish, it's sad to lose 1.
Any amount of ammonia is toxic to your fish. You should start doing daily water changes until your tank is completely cycled.
What's your nitrite and nitrate reading?
If you have males and females, the males will harass a lone female.

Edit: you posted before I answered, yes the cycle will happen but the amount of ammonia and nitrites that build up will kill or weaken your fish in the process.

Shawnie

your tank has ammonia..which means mini cycle or the cycle never finished...when you have 0 ammonia and nitrites, and under 20 nitrates, you are cycled...prime is needed to neutralize your water from chlorine and chloramides if you have city water, and ammonia and nitrites for 24 hours until your next change...you arent fully cycled with .25 ammonia

penguin1

I'm pretty sure they are both males. Now the one with the shredded tail is swimming funny and being tossed by the current of the filter. Don't think hes going to make it.
My nitrate is about 20, nitrite 0. sorry I have those stupid dip stick test kits. That is all that is available in my area until I can get to a good fish store.

Shawnie

dont be sorry ...its ok ...as we have said, getting some prime and daily water changes will help them....I hope your lil guy makes it!

jdhef

You could alway order the test kit online. It may be cheaper that way also.