Newbie - Platies Dying, Too Much Ammonia Help!

[funkydiscochik]

I have a one gallon bubble filtered aquarium I am trying to get started. I recently bought 2 platies and one died. Less than a week later the next one died too. When the 1st one died I took a water sample to the pet store and they tested it. They told me there was too much ammonia in the water and told me about cycling. They informed me to start over 100% with the one fish remaining and cycle 25% in one week. Well that week was ending tomorrow and the last fish died this morning. I need suggestions on what type of fish would work in this type of setting. Thanks!

 

[wendywc]

Well first off sorry for your fishies dying... But one gallon is way too small for platies. For a gallon tank you can have 1 betta or maybe 3 snails or maybe 3 shrimp or 1 african dwarf frog.

If you want to keep platies, please put your money towards a 10 or 20 gallon tank at minimum. Even those I think are small tanks. But if you really want fish, you would have much more diverse tank with a bigger setup anyway.



EDIT: There is just no way to keep ammonia down with such a small tank and so many fish.

 

[funkydiscochik]

The pet store recommended a couple of zebra danios. Good idea or bad idea?

 

[wendywc]

'Fraid not. Zebra danios are very active and even though they are small, they need lots of swimming space. Ideally they should be kept in groups 6+ and have 20 gallons minimum; the longer the tank the better for more surface area.



EDIT: Where are you located. I have a friend who has a 45 gallon with hood and light and stand for sale for $50.

 

[funkydiscochik]

Smyrna, TN