I know it is because the tank isn't through cycling but what causes that lethargic disposition and the clamped fins and tail?? When I released the platty into the water, it first was very active and now it remains behind the water curtain. The fish store said the water was perfect and that I should add another platty. I also added some "Cycle" and some Amquel +. The sales person at the store said it will lower the nitrates/nitrites and ammonia so the fish can survive the 'bloom' of bacteria. The temp is 80 to 82 (is that too high?) I read that adding salt might benefit the platties. But this is my son's first tank and I know little if nothing from when my parents raised Discus and Angels but I was a teen with no interest. He is upset that the Pictis (sp) Cat died and so did all four of our Cardinal Tetras.
His favorite Platty died this afternoon while I cleaned the tank (excess food at the bottom and the cloudiness of the water). I rinsed off the plants and gravel in spring water not tap AND I did not do a thing with the filter, just removed it. I added fresh spring water to fill the tank and some AquaSafe before returning the platty to it (after acclimating it to the new tank in a baggy). I know why she is clamped and staying at the bottom but what I do not know is there a chance she can recover and what can I do to optimize that chance?? Thanks for reading my rambling....I am a bit frazzled at this time.