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  L# one platy
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Subscribeone platy
little fish
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Fingerling
Posts: 40
Votes: 2
Registered: 21-Sep-2005
female usa
Because of some problems I was having with my heater, I have lost most of my platies. The temperature was fluctuating a lot, and I believe that is why they died. Unfortunately, I only have one platy left. I know they're schooling fish, and she would probably be happier with some friends, but I am in desperate need of some ottos, and I'm afraid my tank will be too full after I add them. So basically my question is, is it better to overstock my tank a little or to let this poor little platy live as a loner?
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:47Profile PM Edit Report 
Ethan14
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Big Fish
Posts: 312
Kudos: 339
Votes: 18
Registered: 06-Jul-2005
male usa
Well platies aren't really schooling fish. Ottos like company though. What do you have in the tank right now?
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
little fish
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Fingerling
Posts: 40
Votes: 2
Registered: 21-Sep-2005
female usa
I've got a small angel, 3 false julii cories, 2 blueberry tetras, and my platy. They're all in a 20g. I plan to get a few ottos soon. So do you think my platy will be alright?
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Ethan14
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Big Fish
Posts: 312
Kudos: 339
Votes: 18
Registered: 06-Jul-2005
male usa
You platy will be just about the only thing alright. the angel will quickly outgrow the tank, the cories and blueberry tetras prefer to be in larger groups 5+ and the tank will be overstocked if you try to fill out these schools.
Get rid of the angel to a larger tank or your lfs, and choose between your tetras or your cories and you can keep your ottos and platy. It will help your tank a lot.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
sham
*********
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Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 3369
Kudos: 2782
Votes: 98
Registered: 21-Apr-2004
female usa
It would be possible to do a school of tetras and a school of cories in that tank. You don't have a really large cory species so you might be able to do at least 4-5 although 6 is generally considered the minimum for a proper school. The blueberry tetras are dyed white skirts and you should not buy anymore of the dyed ones. Dying fish is not a very nice practice and ends up with alot of dead fish. Those that survive usually have health problems along with shortened lifespans and the color fades within a few months. You could buy a few white skirts though and they should school together.
The angel doesn't really belong in that tank. 1 angel might just fit in a 20g high with no other fish but really they would have no space to swim and might end up stunted. I would suggest at least a 29g for an angel.
If you plan to add otos I would return either the cories or tetras and stock with 1-2platy, 2-3 oto, and 5 of either the cory or tetra.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
little fish
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Fingerling
Posts: 40
Votes: 2
Registered: 21-Sep-2005
female usa
Thanks for the advice. I'll probably do something like that.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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