Molly and Platty

Question
Hi i set up my tank 2 weeks which can house 50 litres of water and bought five fish 2 platty 1 molly 1 zebra and 1 black widow.The first day after i'd put the fish one platy disappered then yesterday the other platy disapered and i found it torn apart and the molly fish dead could the molly have eaten it.

Answer
Hi Martha;

The fish deaths may have been because of "New Tank Syndrome" caused by the Break-in Period. It can be very hard on the fish. The other fish will eat the dead ones and it makes us think they were 'murdered'. It's quite natural (although disturbing) for fish to consume the dead bodies of their tank mates. Make a 25% water change and have the tank water tested for the levels of ammonia and nitrite. Those two toxins will rise during the break-in period and sometimes so high that fish die. Keep making partial 25% water changes to help the fish get through it and to let the process continue. Here is a link to my article about it to help you know more;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

Let me know if you need more help...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins