New tank syndrome?

Question
Hi Tina! I am hoping you can help me. I received a 5 gallon hexagon shaped tank as a gift along with 3 platys. (1 adult + 2 babies/teens?) I was advied by the "giver" that I could set up tank and put the fish in it the NEXT day. I did just that...(that was six days ago). Well I NOW KNOW that I should NOT have done so.  The ammonia levels have been TOXIC. I have tried eveything but the ammonia levels are so high as well is the Ph (8.4) and the alkalinity (300). I have changed the water @ approx 25% the last 3 days, added water conditioner & ammonia remover each time. Today I put the fish in a bowl & rinsed off the glass rocks, plant and changed the filter.  Afterwards, the ammonia levels seemed to go down to "ALARM". I also believe that I overfed them and thats why I vacuumed the tank. There was SO much food at the bottom (another cause for ammonia). What are my options at this point since the fish are already in the tank?? I read about BIO SPIRA and thought you might have input on this as well. I hope you can help me ASAP. My fish are depending on you. Donna

Answer
Donna,                                                       You are trying to keep a tropical tank in a tank that is too small. Number one theses guys need to be heated if they are in your tank. Everything will go high at first that is normal. This is the nitrogen cycle. Ammonia is a normal factor , that will be recycled fast into nitrites. Then recycled again into the least toxic form of ammonia nitrates. If you are heated and that is all you have in there it will be ok . STOP changing your water this will prolong the new tank syndrome. You are trying to build a ecosystem with these guys. They are not betta fish. You never clean all their rocks,you syphon them . You have a bacteria layer living in them that eats the ammonia. Personally I would upgrade to a 10 gallon tank.You can add more fish and I am sure you can be guided by you local petshop.......Good Luck ,Tina