Sudden Platy Death, New Tank.

[Norm_Deplume]

Here's my rundown. 10 gallon tank, first set up 30 August. Put two platys in it 2 Sept. The heater went bad a few days ago, and until yesterday when we got a new one, the temps fluctuated a bit, between 74 and 82. The fish seemed fine though, zipping around the tank, eating well, etc. Put new heater in yesterday afternoon, and the temp has remained stable at 78-80 since.

Both fish ate this morning a few hours ago. Just now I looked in, and found the sunset platy dead, sucked against the filter. The red wag is still with us, but he's sitting near the bottom, in the corner. Just looking around. He's normally quite active.

Unfortunately I don't have water readings right now as I have just been taking samples into the pet store every few days. Last time (3 days ago) ammonia was at 0 but there were still some nitrites (don't remember how much, though, sorry).

I just did a 15% water change, don't know if that will help. If it will help, how long should I wait to see if Cary perks up?

 

[This Old Spouse]

If you just set up your tank on August 30, you apparently didn't cycle the filter first, and that's been the cause of death for untold numbers of fish. Please click on the link in my sig "New to Fishkeeping?" and read about cycling your tank. Sorry for your loss.

Realized that link is no longer in my sig, but here it is: My link

 

[Norm_Deplume]

I understand that the fish-in cycle is a dangerous way to go, but according to the numbers at last reading, it seemed that the cycle was nearly complete. But it seems that my information was incorrect. Is there any chance of saving the second fish, or do I just prepare two burial plots instead of one? (These are officially my kids' fish, but they're at school right now.)

 

[fluttermoth]

Do a much larger than 15% water change; preferably drain the tank right down, leaving just enough water for the fish to swim upright before refilling, making sure the new water is warmed and dechlorinated. Do that every day until you can get the water tested (don't do a big change on that day, and make sure the shop writes down or tells you the actual numbers) or get some test kits of your own (which every fishkeeper should have, IMO).

 

[This Old Spouse]

I agree completely with Fluttermoth. Do the huge water change ASAP, then do about 50% per day until the tank is cycled.

 

[Norm_Deplume]

Okay, I just did a big water change. Will repeat tomorrow, etc. He's sitting near the bottom of the tank, not really moving, although he does react when I get close to the tank. I feel like I'm sitting shiva for fish family.

Just for future reference: if this other fish dies too, how can I best finish the cycle? Is there a method to switch from a fish-in to a fishless cycle, or should I plan to start over from scratch? I've read a lot of stuff about cycling in the past week, but I haven't seen that.

 

[This Old Spouse]

If it was me I'd continue on with a fishless cycle as described, adding ammonia to the water in place of fish pee. Then once you complete the cycle you can add a full load of fish. It's not like your fish is diseased, so you wouldn't have to worry about passing that along to any succeeding fish.

 

[Norm_Deplume]

Update:

i did a significant water change right after posting here (50%), another smaller one before bed last night (15%), and a 20% this morning. Our little guy has perked up considerably! But I think he's bored. He spent all his time pestering the female fish before (petsmart employees said they'd get us two females, but when we got them home we figured out their goof), but now he doesn't have a playmate.

I've ordered a liquid test kit from Amazon so I can monitor the cycle the rest of the way myself, instead of relying on the store's dip strips. I just hate the idea that a poor little creature died on my watch.

 

[lolobunnz]

Just keep up with them water changes. It is nice to see them turn around and gain energy. I hope you stick around and post pics and stuff. That would be cool. Plus the folks around these parts are crazy good with fish.

Also i would leave him as a loner until your tank is cycled.

Sometimes im weird and tie a flake of food to a sewing string and make my fish chase it in the water. Keeps us both entertained. Haha

 

[Norm_Deplume]

I just fed him, will do another water change in a bit.

I'll definitely stick around here. I need to go find the thread on how to take pictures of fish (I assume there is one). I have tried and only get pics of an orange blur.