[jaysee]

From a new member Rainbowdash -

I have this platy, she was really active before, swimming around rather quickly from one side of the tank to the other and such, but now, she just swims for a bit and rests at the bottom, literally laying on the floor. Many of times I have mistaken her for deceased. I grab the net and go to get her, and she darts away. She even rests inbetween the side of the tank and the heater, actually laying on the rubber of the suction cup that attaches it to the wall of the tank. Is depression a possibility for fish? If so... what can I do to make her happy?

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[crzy2u]

Have you checked for bullying? Any diseases? What are your water parameters?

 

[RainbowDash]

I have a 10 gallon tank that occupies 3 Mollies, 1 Male Betta, 2 platys, and a cory catfish. The decor in the tank, is purple gravel with a skull cave, 3 plastic plants that are rather soft. When I check the hardness and chemical level of the water, I have this test kit that only shows color ( I apologize if that doesn't make any sense.) There is a strip, that I dip into the water, swirl it around and bring it out horizontally. The strip has these little square spots that turn different colors according to the PH level, General Hardness, and Nitrates. Because it is only by color, I have no clue what all it means.
Anywho, back to Tigger the platy. When I first got her, she was very active in the tank. She eats normally, none of the fish seem to pick on her, quite the opposite actually. Her and my dalmation molly Yetter, seem to get along just fine! they used to always be side by side, but now she just kind of finds spots to lay around. She looks just the same as she did when I bought her... I have no clue what is going on. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[jentralala]

How long has the tank been set up? What brand are the test strips?

Honestly, it sounds like you may be going through a cycle/ammonia poisoning/nitrate poisoning. Your tank is overstocked, which is a contributing factor.

Invest in the API Liquid Master test kit. It's about $20 on Amazon or at pet store. It will give you clear readings on whats going on in your tank which will give us information about how to remedy the problem.

 

[RainbowDash]

I will look into those strips. You say overstocked, but honestly, its just this one fish having problems. She is active at times, and then just lays there. She does not look like she is sick, and none of the other fish are having any sort of problems. The other fish are actually very active and thriving. The tank has had a filter going since it was bought, about 3 weeks ago. I use betta tap water conditioner because of the betta I have in the tank, I feed them tropical flakes. I am telling you, all of the other fish are happy. I'm asking if there is a possibility that fish can become depressed? As for the brand of the test strips I have no clue. I no longer have the main package.

 

[RainbowDash]

A quick question, does anyone know how much it would cost to get a 55 gallon tank resealed?

 

[jaysee]

You could do it yourself for the cost of the silicon. $10 maybe?

 

[RainbowDash]

Thanks!

 

[jentralala]

No, fish do not become depressed. They do not have emotions like humans do. Fish that act strange are either sick or stressed.

You say three weeks which makes me pretty positive your tank isn't cycled and your fish is suffering from ammonia poisoning. How often are you doing water changes?

Your tank is overstocked. The platies can reach up to 4 inches in length, same with the mollies. That's too much for a ten. Also, corydoras shouldn't be kept singular. I recommend you return it unless you plan to upgrade to a larger tank and get more of the same species for a shoal.

Since your tank most likely isn't cycled, you should do daily 50% water changes to get rid of the ammonia buildup.

The API test kit will help you a lot in figuring out where you are in the cycle and when it's complete.

 

[Flint]

I agree that your tank is overstocked. Overstocking isn't that the fish aren't happy, it's that there isn't enough room for beneficial bacteria to grow to accommodate the bioload - or how much waste they produce - to keep the tank cycled and the water safe. It also can mean that the fish you have are going to get too large for your tank. Mollies need at least 30 gallon (long) because they are very active fish. Platies need a 20 gallon but a lot of people keep them in 10s. The cory, I also agree, needs to be returned or upgraded to at least a 20 long with at least 5 more friends.

As far as re-sealing, I paid $12 for a caulk gun, GE Silicone I (NOT II) and masking tape. My husband had razors I could use to scrape old silicone off. That's all it took on a 75 gallon which is just slightly larger than your 55. There are a lot of good tutorials on YouTube if you look. Just ensure that you let the tank sit until the smell of the silicone is gone. Then it is safe to fill and use.

 

[Hallyx]

Although you didn't mention the brand, "Betta" water conditioners that I'm familiar with only remove chlorine, but do not detoxify ammonia. Prime water conditioner by Seachem does. That's why most of us here use it. This is important in a small or overstocked tank.

As Jen says, in a heavily-stocked tank you need one off these to keep a closer eye on your water conditions.
Amazon.com: API Freshwater Master Test Kit: Pet Supplies

 

[RainbowDash]

well appreciated!

I appreciate all your helpful tips and such! I will definitely follow up with what you have suggested!