Red Platy only comes out to eat?

[Ron101]

Hi, I have had a 37 gallon freshwater tank for 5 months, my red platy only comes out to eat. Any idea why? She seems fine otherwise. I have 3 guppies, one red tetra and cream sickle as well. Water tests come back perfect.

 

[fluttermoth]

Could you post the dimensions of the tank, and the numbers from your tests please?

Do you know what species the tetra is? Lots of them are red!

 

[Ron101]

It's a red wag platy, stays in a cave non stop only comes out to eat in the morning. My tank dimensions are 30x24x12. Test results are hardness 30, kh 0, ph 6.5 0 ammonia. I think he may be lonely he used to have a buddy. Thoughts?

 

[NickAu]

ph 6.5

IMO at that PH the guppies and platy wont be happy.

You also need more tetras, they should be kept in groups of 6 minimum

cream sickle

Thats a Mollie right? If yes your water is to soft for it.

 

[Ron101]

How much higher should ph be? I lost 3 tetras about 6 weeks ago. Molly seems perfectly happy too. Was planning on adding more tetras and another red wag too. See if the other one comes out ha. Could I add a gourgami also?

 

[the_lock_man]

Although not a shoaling species, platies do seem to like company of there own. There could also be an issue with the tetra being aggressive towards her, it will also be very stressed from being alone. The molly could also be showing aggression.

I also agree with Nick that the pH and hardness on very low for livebearers, both the molly and the platy, they need the minerals found in hard water.

If you are going to get another single platy, ensure that it is also a female. If it's a male, it will only make life worse for the female, as he will be constantly chasing her around, trying to mate.

 

[Ron101]

Thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it. Going tonight. Hopefully they cheer up