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Why are my mickey mouse platys staying near the surface2007-11-24 23:43:48

I have a 20 gallon freshwater tank, with 5 neon tetras, and 3 Mickey Mouse platys. All of the fish are pretty active but the platys seem to be staying very close to the surface most of the time. Is that normal? Or is there something wrong? The tank is at 80 degrees and isnt crowded at all.

Answers:

The warmer the water, the less available oxygen. They do not have a very long life span and could also do with salt. Unfortunately the tetras will not handle the salt very well so it's best to drop the temperature a bit and see what happens. If you have just cleaned the tank, there might be an ammonia build-up or the tank is due for a clean. Too warm water will speed up decay in the tank too. hope you come right.

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Are they floating on their backs near the surface? That could be a bad sign, like maybe they are dead.

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it is normal and that is why their mouthes are pointed up b/c they are surface fish who would eat small bugs on the surface of the water. completly normal i would keep the water closer to 78 degrees unless treating ich.

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where did you get them, reply bc there are lots of places that really dont take care of there fish real well. They re prob. sick and getting ready to die. I hope they dont and stay safe. Go to a vet that takes care of fish and see if they can help. Please reply and tell me where you got the fish.

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They need more oxygen. Is your pump working (making bubbles) and if so, is it big or strong enough for a 20 gallon tank? Water temp is a little high, the higher it is, the more oxygen (pump produced bubbles) you will need in your water.Also, I used to use a little marine salt (tiny pinch to a gallon of water) to keep diseases away too, when I had platys,guppies,etc. Keeps ich away.