New Platys Have Gone Into Hiding ?

[kkcrd11]

I have had my tank 6-8 months now with just harlequin rasboras in as it was previously used for goldfish but they were moved to a larger tank and the rasboras upgraded to this 100l . They have been fine no problems at all . So today I decided to increase the amount of rasboras to 9 and add a few platys on the recommendation of the pet shop who said they would get along fine. Well they seems to I watched them for a while after introducing and the platys were mingling and exploring and all the rasboras were doing well. But after a couple of hours all the platys went into diffeent hiding spots and won't come out at all . They've been there now for 6 hours . Is some thing wrong water tests for ammonia. Nitrate and nitrite show ammonia is up a little but not quite 0.25 so I'm planning another water change in the morning but don't want to stress them by doing one too soon all other readings were fine Is this normal for newly introduced platys ? As the shop owner said they weren't a shy type of fish. I hope they all survive the night or my kids will be devastated .

 

[BerryAttack]

well it depends on how you added the fish in. i always do the drip method to allow for them to be use to the aquarium water and not go into shock.
with the ammonia you always want to have that at 0 unless you are cycling. so do a water change with treated water.

 

[alexshaw]

Hey there my new platties did the exact same thing. when i got them from the pet shop, i brought them home put them in my tank (still in bag) to get used to water temp. And they lost there colour after transportation. Once i put them in tank they checked out there new tank and then went into hiding. but after a couple days they became more active. I think they just need time to get used to new living conditions.

 

[kkcrd11]

Thanks .i did the drip methods when introducing them . And have carried out at 30 percent water change this am. They seem to have paired up now and seem more confident exploring thanks I'll keep my eye on them

 

[alexshaw]

Glad to hear that They should be fine then. But yeah, do keep an eye on them.

 

[kkcrd11]

Lost one today and a harlequin yesterday . Unsure why. Both were fine no signs of injury or disease . swimming as normal and eating fine . Waters fine checked with the API master kit . So now I am left with 3 platys and 7 harlequins in a 33 gal tank . I am going watch and see what happens over the next couple of weeks but then may get a few more do you think I have room for more and if so what ? stocking lists confuse me ?