4 Platies
3 Zebra Danios
10 Lemon Tetras
2 Bolivian Rams
2 Clown Plecos
1 Blue Seam Pleco
~10 Ghost Shrimp
In the past couple of weeks, all of my Otos and one of my Platies died of unknown causes. I want some more Otos (they're helpful with the algae, and they're fun to watch), but I haven't found any at the local stores lately. I feel like I'm a little overstocked as it is anyway, so maybe I'm ok for now.
Everything is cool. The Altispinosas were really the ultimate goal of this tank, and I've had them for about 2 weeks. I'm still having some trouble with feeding (the female doesn't seem to be eating anything), but otherwise, they seem to be adjusting well. The Lemon Tetras came from two different sources, but they seem to have formed one very playful school. It's hard to tell, but I think I have a lot more males than females (maybe as much as 8:2). They are constantly standing off against each other, displaying full finnage and their shiny silver sides, I assume in an attempt to establish a hierarchy. It makes for a very active tank that's fun to watch. I also enjoy the rams. They just kind of mosey around the bottom of the tank, paying ltitle attention to what's going on around them. The male seems very curious, and spends a lot of time at the front of the tank, pacing back and forth. Maybe he's following his reflection in the glass? Or just waiting for food? It's hard to say.
My main concern right now is the plants. I really want to grow plants well and fill in the whole tank. But...it's just not happening. My plants aren't really dying...they're just not thriving the way I'd like to see. I use Flourish and Flourish Excel fertilizers, but I feel like they're just not getting enough of anything (light, carbon dioxide, ferts) to grow very quickly. So...eventually (when I have the funds), I'll have to invest in a pressurized CO2 system and start getting serious about fertilizers. That, sadly, will have to wait a bit.
