New tank, platys not eating

[Rdeyer]

Hello! We got a brand new tank, and we know nothing about fish! Our neighbor gave us some baby platys. They don’t really seem to be eating though? We lost one already and probably another. They did move tanks 2x in 48 hours, so i am very aware that they were probably in shock. We bought the flakes that the store said they use to feed their platys, but they just seem to float to the bottom and not get eaten. Could they still be in shock? Or did i get the wrong food?

 

[FishGuest5123]

Did you cycle your tank before adding the fish? If not, please read on the Aquarium nitrogen cycle. Your fish may be suffering from toxic ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from an uncycled tank. Ask your friend for some of their filter media and gravel to put in your tank. This will seed your tank and get your cycle started. Do a big water change of about 75% and use Seachem Prime as your water conditioner. The Prime will bind the toxicity for 24 hours thus, protecting your fish. You will need to do water changes every other day with Prime until the seeded filter media and gravel can get the cycle going. Test your water every 48 hours with an API Freshwater Test Kit. Once you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and some nitrates then your tank is cycled. Do water changes to keep your nitrates below 10ppm. We’re here if you have questions. Good luck!

 

[Rdeyer]

Did you cycle your tank before adding the fish? If not, please read on the Aquarium nitrogen cycle. Your fish may be suffering from toxic ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from an uncycled tank. Ask your friend for some of their filter media and gravel to put in your tank. This will seed your tank and get your cycle started. Do a big water change of about 75% and use Seachem Prime as your water conditioner. The Prime will bind the toxicity for 24 hours thus, protecting your fish. You will need to do water changes every other day with Prime until the seeded filter media and gravel can get the cycle going. Test your water every 48 hours with an API Freshwater Test Kit. Once you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and some nitrates then your tank is cycled. Do water changes to keep your nitrates below 10ppm. We’re here if you have questions. Good luck!

Thanks!! I just Amazon primed the Seachem, and I’ll use it ASAP. We definitely didn’t cycle anything, I’m not even sure what that entails. We used a water conditioner, but not this brand. Should i use ONLY seachem one? Or use it along with something else? Once this is done, do you think the platys will eat the flakes? Or should i use another type of food?

 

[FishGuest5123]

I use pellets as food and most people here do. I like New Life Spectrum small pellets for tropical fish. You have to order it online. Can you get some of your friends gravel and a part of their filter media to start your cycle?

 

[Guppylover3x]

I agree with Deanasue. You need some cycled filter media and old gravel.

If you can’t get any of this, add bottled beneficial bacteria to the tank.

Best of luck!

 

[Naughts]

The flakes may be too big if the p!atties are very young. Maybe try a liquid fry food?