My first Question...

[Platiesowner]

Hello, I am excited to be a new member of this forum! Any help would be really appreciated. I have two questions:

1. I recently started cycling a 20 gallon tank. I started with a UGF, and a powerhead. However, I changed to a Penguin 125 Bio-wheel. I removed the powerhead and uplift tube. Do I also need to remove the plates under the gravel? I already have three platies in the tank and everything is all organized. Will it do any harm just to keep them there until my tank cycles and I do a regular maintainance or do I need to take them out now?

2. The three starter fish were one female and two males. One of the males has established dominance over the male, and they dont fight...but he chases the female relentlessly. Is this going to lead to her death as she becomes more and more stressed? I have great little hiding places for her. Should I add a couple of more females, to take the pressure off of her and then just do more frequent water changes to handle the bioload? Keep in mind the tank is only two weeks into cycling.

thank you thank you!!!!

 

[ScuabaDuba]

More females would definitely be a plus. If anything the other male is in more danger than the female, IMO.

Good luck with the fish!

This, however, should be in the Beginner Tropical page.

 

[barbiya]

As your only 2 weeks into cycling, I wouldn't hurry to add any more fish. But, you should definitely have more females than males. I finally separated my male platy from the females, as he tormented them relentlessly. Not to mention that I have about 14 more young platties. Take your time, but do up the female count, while keeping a good eye on your ammonia and nitrite levels.

Good luck!

 

[clutterydrawer]

What stage of the cycle are you at?