Excess Poo in new Platies

[rich]

I bought a couple of platies a couple of days ago to add to my tank (the first time I have had livebearers), but they continuously poo! They have generated as much waste in my tank in the first 24 hours than the rest in 3 months. Is it just the stress of moving - there were 4 long ones in the transport bag?

The problem is that there is plenty of algae to eat, which they seem to have taken a liking to. The cycle could go on! Will they settle down or is it just livebearers?

Otherwise they don't seem stressed, eating well and swimming around.

 

[moray]

When I had them they were permenantly going to the loo, I think it's just the way they are.

 

[Clairel]

Yep my 2 platies are the same....lol....

Claire

 

[dwarfgourami]

Platies just seem to eat constantly- and naturally that does have an effect the other end. I now have c. 20 platy fry of varying sizes in my tank and it is amazing how much even the little ones try to put away. I must say I am rather grateful to mine for keeping the algae under control though.

It is a good idea to feed them vegetables a couple of times a week, a boiled pea or so, and a bit of bloodworm now and then.

And remember not to feed them every time they tell you they're starving. Harden your heart!

 

[rich]

I will only be feeding them once a day with all the others, but the algae will keep them going for months!!

Perhaps I should have bought the Serpae Tetra I saw instead.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I wouldn't get serprae tetras, i heard they can be very nippy/agressive tetras if i am not mistaken. It is a good sign your platys are pooping alot as long as the poop isn't white/stringy looking, its a sign they are healthy.
As long as you keep up with cleaning your substrate, you should do it at least once a fortnight, preferably a week, and your filter is a suitable size/power for your tank your tank will have no problems handling it- trust me there are fish that poop a heck of a lot more than platys !