Hi,
I'm a newcomer to fishkeeping and have two Rummy Nose Tetras, one sucking loach and six Neon Tetras. One of the rummies has lost an eye. The rummies are my favourites, they are so placid, minding their own business. I had hoped to get more of them. The neon tetras are quite aggressive, always fighting and squabbling among themselves. I have seen them chase the rummies and the loach. One of the neon tetras is very fat, possibly pregnant?
The loach is the most recent addition to the aquarium. He was recommended in the fish shop to deal with algae. He appeared quite aggressive towards the rummies at first, but has settled in and hides out in a wreck/cave when not feeding. I have read mixed reports about loaches. Would he suck out another fish's eye? I have read conflicting reports on this.
Or could the rummy have been caught in the crossfire when the neon tetras were fighting?
I would be grateful for any help with this. The fish shop will take the loach back if I want (but not the neon tetras - they won't re-sell aggressive neons).
The aquarium is in a bright, south-facing room and may get sunlight at some times of the year. If I need to get rid of the loach, is there an algae eater you'd recommend, or should I cover the aquarium on sunny days?
Thank you for your help. It's nice to feel part of a fishkeeping community and have someone to ask when the poor little fish are having their problems.
What I have:http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/forums/Smileys/default/violent1.gif
What I want:
http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/forums/Smileys/default/067.gif Thanks, Orfs