platypus212
Aquarium Advice Newbie
Hi all,
I have a relatively new (8 weeks) 5 gallon aquarium, planted, with 2 glass catfish and 2 platys. The catfish have been in the tank about 6 weeks and are doing well. The platys are a more recent addition (9-10 days). I brought home 3 platys initially (2 females, 1 male) but the male died within 24 hours. Of the 2 remaining, the larger female looks fine, eats well, is very active, but the smaller one has what looks like blood under her gill opening and even a little in her head. However, until today she's been eating and active. This afternoon & evening she's been hiding behind the filter box right at the surface. Her fins are clamped to her body and she hardly moves. Also, I just noticed there's something white on the lower edge of her tail fin. But -- she did come out to eat.
Water tests within normal range (Ammonia=0; Nitrite =0; Nitrate=10-20) except pH (7.8) which is a little higher than usual (normally 7.4 to 7.6). I added a piece of driftwood to lower the pH as I don't want to mess around with a lot of chemicals.
I would appreciate any advice and thanks for reading!
I have a relatively new (8 weeks) 5 gallon aquarium, planted, with 2 glass catfish and 2 platys. The catfish have been in the tank about 6 weeks and are doing well. The platys are a more recent addition (9-10 days). I brought home 3 platys initially (2 females, 1 male) but the male died within 24 hours. Of the 2 remaining, the larger female looks fine, eats well, is very active, but the smaller one has what looks like blood under her gill opening and even a little in her head. However, until today she's been eating and active. This afternoon & evening she's been hiding behind the filter box right at the surface. Her fins are clamped to her body and she hardly moves. Also, I just noticed there's something white on the lower edge of her tail fin. But -- she did come out to eat.
Water tests within normal range (Ammonia=0; Nitrite =0; Nitrate=10-20) except pH (7.8) which is a little higher than usual (normally 7.4 to 7.6). I added a piece of driftwood to lower the pH as I don't want to mess around with a lot of chemicals.
I would appreciate any advice and thanks for reading!