New platys

[erinw621]

I just got two new twin bar platys to add to my 20 gallon tank. It's a fairly new tank, I did a fishless cycle then added 6 tetras. The tetras have been good and happy for 3 weeks so I got a male and female platy last night.
Today, I noticed both of them sitting at opposite sides of the tank at the bottom and hardly moving. So I checked the water and everything is fine. It's my first time keeping platys just wondering is this is something they do or not. I'd appreciate any advice.

[young_cichlid]

firstly, welcome to ac:22:

secondly, could be that they used to a new tank or it could be shock. my goldfish, guppies, and convicts acted the same when introduced to a new tank.

[erinw621]

Yes, I suppose. They were fine all last night. They haven't been in for even 24 hours though.

[rich311k]

What were your actual test numbers and what kind of tets kit? How did you aclimate them?

They could be adjusting to their new home. Did they eat?

[erinw621]

Oh and Thank you!

[young_cichlid]

this is ac thats what we're here for.:22:

[erinw621]

I'm waiting for my LFS to get a shipment in for a liquid test kit, so all I have are the strips. The nitrate key goes from off-white: 0 to pink: 20... it's not clear but its not pink, so somewhere between 0-20. nitrite is 0 and ammonia is 0. pH is around 8.
I let the fish float in the tank for about 20 minutes, then I put them in a bowl and I slowly added my tanks water and then netted them in after about 45 minutes of dripping in bits of water.
Since I noticed them just sitting there I fed them some tropical flakes, and they showed no interest. :(

[rich311k]

Nothing wrong with any of that. Hopefully they are just settling in.

[young_cichlid]

if their still listless in 24 hours we could have a problem but other than that they should be fine. at least you started out right thumbs2:

[erinw621]

I hope so.. I hate seeing them like this!

[thrakuarium]

Most likely they are still getting used to the tank. Platys, and other livebearers do tend to need a female / male ratio of at least 2/1 in favor of the females. The male could stress out the female with his attentions if she is the only available platy. You might consider adding 2 more females to the tank. It will balance the ratio and may even help them feel more at ease in the tank.

[erinw621]

I turned the light off and a few minutes later the female was back and swimming around. The male is the one being a party pooper! Hopefully he can get acclimated tonight.
Perhaps I will get another female... figures that petsmart would tell me just two is okay!