A few very beginner questions. lol

[MeganL3985]

Okay, so this thread is sort of a continuation from my introduction thread, but for those of you who haven't read it here's some info before my questions.

I just started my aquarium last week and within the past 2 days have gotten some fish. My aquarium is a Marineland Eclipse Hex 5 gal. & I have 2 Sunburst Wag Moon Platies and 5 Neon Tetras.

Here are the questions...sorry they are probably very basic.

1. I bought my Sunbursts yesterday and they spent most of yesterday and today hiding in the plants. Today I bought 5 neon tetras, as soon as I put them in the tank the platies came out and aren't being shy at all. I have one concern though. One of the platies is nipping at the other. I have no experience with the nipping thing and don't know if i'm suppose to do anything about it or not. I heard that the males will do that to the females.

2. With that said, how do I tell if my platies are male or female? And if the one is nipping at the other, should I put maybe 1 or 2 more in so it'll divert its persistance a little? The people at petsmart said that with the neons being so small that I would be able to put 2 more in if I wanted. I don't want to over crowd though.

Any suggestions would be awesome. Thanks!

[gm72]

1. Don't worry about the nipping unless it continues further and you see actual damage to one of the fish.
2. Don't stock more, you're good where you are for a beginner. The pet shop is trying to make a sale.

[MeganL3985]

Thanks! I figured they were trying to make a sale, I barely trust them to tell me the right name of a fish let alone any real information. ;)

[gm72]

Keep that mindset and visit us instead. You'll be FAR better off.

[troy]

The male platy's anal fin will be pointed, while the females' is more rounded.

[Severus]

Your platys are most likely having a dominance issue. The nipping will be over in a few days. Also, you are plenty stocked in your five gallon. Just stay on top of your maintenance and absorb as much info as you can. Pretty soon you'll be a pro

[Lady Hobbs]

You are overstocked in that small tank. I think you will be having issues with the ammonia rising before long and fish death. You will have to be doing lots of small water changes to keep the toxins down.