Platy odd behavior

[Ryzzora]

My Platies have been acting weird lately, swimming erratically near the surface. Tank's a 20 gallon, parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's steady at 78F with a Fluval heater. They're eating fine but seem skittish. Any ideas?

[ravenoak]

Could be low oxygen levels. Have you checked surface agitation? If your filter output isn't breaking the surface much, try adjusting it or adding an air stone. Platies are sensitive to oxygen levels, especially in warmer water.

[Ryzzora]

Could be low oxygen levels. Have you checked surface agitation? If your filter output isn't breaking the surface much, try adjusting it or adding an air stone. Platies are sensitive to oxygen levels, especially in warmer water.

Thanks, I'll try that. The filter flow is pretty low, so that might be it.

[dawnal]

My Platies did this once when I accidentally left the tank light on for like 16 hours. Maybe check your lighting schedule? They might just be stressed from too much light.

[ravenoak]

My Platies did this once when I accidentally left the tank light on for like 16 hours. Maybe check your lighting schedule? They might just be stressed from too much light.

That's a good point. Overlighting can cause stress. What's your current photoperiod, Ryzzora?

[Ryzzora]

I run the lights for about 10 hours a day. Could that be too much? They're on a timer, but I've never thought about cutting it back.

[ravenoak]

10 hours might be pushing it, especially if the tank gets any ambient light. Try reducing it to 8 hours and see if they chill out. Also, make sure they have some shaded spots with plants or decor.

[dawnal]

Yeah, mine totally freaked out with too much light. I cut it to 6 hours and they were fine. Weird vibe at first but they adjusted.