Platy has torn tail, staying in top corner of tank

HowlingGray · 06-27-2012, 01:52 PM

I am very new to aquarium ownership, and a couple of days ago I purchased 5 platies. Today I noticed that one of the male's tail fin is torn, and it wasn't when I checked on him last night. I don't know what to do, becuase he is helplessly trying to swim in the upper corner of the tank and hasn't moved from the spot for about 30 minutes. I think one of my females took a bite at him. Can anyone give me any advise please?

HowlingGray · 06-27-2012, 02:19 PM

I just checked on him again, and he is now laying on the bottom of the tank. Should I just let him die? The only other thing I can do is put him in a little betta container.

BigCountry · 06-27-2012, 02:45 PM

I am far from an expert, but when I have encountered a situation like this, I have never been able to save the fish. Perhaps there are some experts out there that can give better advice. I'm sorry that I am not much of a help, but wanted to respond to let you know there are people out here seeing this.

wendyjo · 06-27-2012, 02:52 PM

What are your parameters for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? If it's a new set up it could be a water quality issue.

HowlingGray · 06-27-2012, 03:00 PM

I can't afford testing strips yet, but the local pet store has tested my tap before and all of the other fish seem healthy. All I can say is that its a 20 gal tank and the temp is at 78. Wish I could give more info. I have removed the fish from the tank and into the cup I put my betta in for his water changes, and he is just sitting on the bottom of the cup.

HowlingGray · 06-27-2012, 03:07 PM

He has not taken a breath for about two minutes now, so I'm going to have to say that he is dead. I just hope this doesn't happen again to any other fish.

Willamette · 06-27-2012, 07:35 PM

Sorry for your loss.

Don't spend money on the test strips, get an API master test kit, and follow the directions exactly.

http://www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER...aster+test+kit

Screaming deal at $16.

The water parameters have to be carefully managed on a new tank. Make sure you learn how the nitrogen cycle works. Its the ABC's of fishkeeping.

06-27-2012, 01:52 PM	#1
HowlingGray Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Blaine, MN Posts: 8	Platy has torn tail, staying in top corner of tank I am very new to aquarium ownership, and a couple of days ago I purchased 5 platies. Today I noticed that one of the male's tail fin is torn, and it wasn't when I checked on him last night. I don't know what to do, becuase he is helplessly trying to swim in the upper corner of the tank and hasn't moved from the spot for about 30 minutes. I think one of my females took a bite at him. Can anyone give me any advise please?

06-27-2012, 02:45 PM	#3
BigCountry Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: St. Louis Area Posts: 202	I am far from an expert, but when I have encountered a situation like this, I have never been able to save the fish. Perhaps there are some experts out there that can give better advice. I'm sorry that I am not much of a help, but wanted to respond to let you know there are people out here seeing this. __________________ "Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." -- Albert Einstein

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06-27-2012, 02:19 PM	#2
HowlingGray Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Blaine, MN Posts: 8	I just checked on him again, and he is now laying on the bottom of the tank. Should I just let him die? The only other thing I can do is put him in a little betta container.

06-27-2012, 02:52 PM	#4
wendyjo Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: DC area Posts: 2,815	What are your parameters for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? If it's a new set up it could be a water quality issue.

06-27-2012, 03:00 PM	#5
HowlingGray Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Blaine, MN Posts: 8	I can't afford testing strips yet, but the local pet store has tested my tap before and all of the other fish seem healthy. All I can say is that its a 20 gal tank and the temp is at 78. Wish I could give more info. I have removed the fish from the tank and into the cup I put my betta in for his water changes, and he is just sitting on the bottom of the cup.

06-27-2012, 03:07 PM	#6
HowlingGray Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Blaine, MN Posts: 8	He has not taken a breath for about two minutes now, so I'm going to have to say that he is dead. I just hope this doesn't happen again to any other fish.

06-27-2012, 07:35 PM	#7
Willamette Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Corvallis, OR Posts: 180	Sorry for your loss. Don't spend money on the test strips, get an API master test kit, and follow the directions exactly. http://www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER...aster+test+kit Screaming deal at $16. The water parameters have to be carefully managed on a new tank. Make sure you learn how the nitrogen cycle works. Its the ABC's of fishkeeping.