Ok ANOTHER of my little Platies died. This time it was my little male Billy Shears. I took him back to the store, in tears and had my water tested. It turns out the Nitrites were THROUGH THE ROOF, in the majorly stressed area. The girl last time said that the levels were FINE, and the guy who was there today said that the levels could not have been fine the other day for them to be this Unfine today, especially since I have done a water change between now and then. I trust this guy because not only have I know him for a long time but he reads this site on a regular basis. I am sooo mad right now, how could that girl lie to me and say that the tank was FINE! From now on when I go to get the water tested Im looking at the results MYSELF.

Im scared now because one of my little girls fins are clamped, shes one of my pregnant ones too. I wish that I could trust everyone at the LFS, and it makes me sad that I can't.

I will be getting another Platie when my tank levels are in the normal range. He said that because my tank levels are so high he could not sell me another one, based on the fishes health. I totally do not blame him, so I got the refund and will be getting another one when the tank is better.

R.I.P Billy, you were a good little boy while I had you and you will be greatly missed.

So sorry you lost Billy.I hope your other fish are going to be fine.

Billy gone but never forgotton

I'm so sorry Kasper. He was a beautiful platy

Is it just platies in that tank? If you don't have any salt-sensitive fish in there, it would be a good idea to use aquarium salt to bring the salinity up to .1-.2% This will help protect the fish a little from the effects of nitrites. Platies also benefit from a little salt in their water.

I hope the rest of your fish feel better soon

I was always wondering about salting, can you use table salt or does it have to be aquarium salt?

It is the safer choice to use aquarium salt. The cheaper table salts usually contain toxic anti-caking agents. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals has a carton of all sizes readilly available at petstores.

Im so sorry about Billy, Kasper.

Don't use table salt!! Aquarium, pickling, kosher salt can all be used.

Ok, I havent added any salt to the tanks. I figured I would ask first
Thanks for the well wishes guys. I really appreciate it.

Poor Billy.....RIP Buddy.

So sorry to read that you loss "Billy". I know you will miss him.