kjm2270

I have two male platies in a 5g tank. One of the males is bullying the other and the one being bullied is hanging out at the top of the tank "kissing" the tank heater. Is this normal? (I've only had these little guys for two days.)

kjm2270

The tank had only been cycling for 3 days before these little guys were introduced (the pet store employee said it would be fine, but now I know better) so I need to do daily water changes, and I am wondering if the little guy being bullied is hanging out by the heater because it is warmer? When I was seeking help on the forum last night, I asked about the temperature for the water changes and was told not to worry about it, but the room temperature water would have reduced the overall water temperature of the tank.

Lucy

When you're doing your water changes, try to get the newly treated water to about the same temperature as the water in your tank, not room temperature.
If it's too far off, you can shock the fish.

I know some people use a spare heater in a bucket of treated water to ensure the water is the same temp, others go by touch or use an instant thermometer.

They could also be feeling the effects of cycling. It's pretty hard on fish.

Alessa

use some prime to condition the water and alleviate the effects of cycling. and youre doing the right thing with the water changes. Their behavior is probably due to the cycling but if you keep it up with the changes (and lots of patience, and reading...) you will do just fine.

Many of us have suffered for the AWESOME advice of pet store employees...