How to Add Platyfish to a Freshwater Aquarium

Stocking your aquarium with fish requires careful thought and research to avoid incompatibilities that cause disruptive behavior in the tank and even the death of some fish. Platyfish, sometimes spelled as two words, platy fish, are a good freshwater species for beginner aquarium hobbyists because of their placid nature and their easy care requirements. As with other species, you should introduce platyfish gradually to your tank to allow them to adjust to the new environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium chemicals
  • Net
  • Cup
  • Additional decorations
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the water chemistry in your tank for correct levels. The chlorine level should be zero and the pH, a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of the water, should be the same as the water from the fish store. Ensure that the temperature of the water is correct. Playfish prefer a temperature of 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH range of 7 to 8.3. As these measures are in the general range of most home freshwater tanks, you can safely add them to your existing aquarium.

    • 2

      Rearrange the decorations in the tank to disrupt old territory boundaries that existing fish have established. This measure will help to minimize hostility to the new platy.

    • 3

      Feed the older fish before introducing the newcomer. This action will help to reduce aggression against the new platyfish.

    • 4

      Dim the lights to minimize stress to the new platy.

    • 5

      Place the bag with the platy in it into the aquarium tank. Allow it to float on the surface of the water for 10 minutes.

    • 6

      Open the plastic bag and put about a cup of water from the aquarium into the bag. Close the bag and allow it to sit on the water for another 10 minutes.

    • 7

      Continue to add additional tank water to the bag every 10 minutes, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes until the bag is full.

    • 8

      Remove the new platy from the bag carefully and place it into the aquarium tank.

    • 9

      Remove the bag with the water in it and dispose of it in a sink.

    • 10

      Keep the lights dimmed for three to four hours to allow the new platy to adjust to his new environment.