Posted by stubd38 on February 13, 2003 at 09:01:30:
In Reply to: Re: Epp! Baby fish! What do I do? posted by nightflower7 on February 10, 2003 at 18:12:28:
You can either take a sample into the store and ask them to test for these items, or get your own kits. If you take in a sample to the store, tell them to write down the ppm(parts per milligram) readings for you. Some say this service is free, but I know some places charge for the service, so you'll need to check with your store, maybe you want to call first.
The cheapest way to go about getting your own kits is by purchasing a Seacham ammonia tag. Don't know where you're located, but Petsmart sells them for about $6-$7 and the tag simply stays in the tag by suction cup. It doesn't provide ppm readings but alerts you to wether or not ammonia is in the tank. For nitrite and nitrate testing, I suggest purchasing Quick-dip nitrate/nitrite dipsticks which will run about $14 at Petsmart for 25 sticks.
If you're concerned about taking care of the fry, you can always get a breeder tank also sold at Petsmart for $5 for a large Lee's 3-way breeder, simply remove any dividers and place the fry inside the breeder tank that will float in your main tank until you can get another tank set-up if need be. Smaller units are also sold and may provide enough cover for the fry, but if you have many fry, it's better to go with bigger.
Platies and guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live baby fry. If you only have a male guppy, then it most likely was a platy that gave birth.
It's more important you put every effort into finding out what ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are at so you can save what fish you have left. High levels will cause death in fish and will need to be brought under control to save your fish.
The snails came along for the ride on your plants. You'll probably want to consider hand collecting them. You then may want to see if a store will take them, perhaps a local fish store that can feed the snails to snail eating fish, they may even be able to trade with you, the snails for something you might need. You might even want to consider trying to catch the little fry and see if an LFS will take them in for trade also. But they probably won't get you too much. But is another thought for you to consider.
The next time you consider purchasing any fish, make certain the fish are healthy fish. Meaning, if needed, I do this all the time, take a magnifying glass with you and look over the entire tank you think you want to purchase a fish from. Check for any type of diseases, white spots, fin breakage and so forth. If you even see a dead fish in the tank, never ever buy a fish from a tank that has a dead fish or sick fish in it.
Hope this helps.
Debra
