Enjoying the tank

I'm really enjoying the tank, and watching everything grow. Even if there are a few traumas, such as watching the possibly sick cory. It's still skulking around the tank, although I think I have seen it eating. But it's hard to know whether I'm watching just one, or if they are taking it in turns to lay low.

But Bristles, the Bristlenose Catfish is growing well. I measured him at 45mm a few weeks ago and today he was stretched out cleaning the glass, and he's now 60mm in length. Not bad for a little fish that arrived 2 months ago and was a tiny 15mm long!

My other concern is the upside down catfish. He was larger when he went into the tank and we never see him. I think I've just seen a flash of fin from within his cave, so he's still alive. But if he's growing well, there's a chance he'll outgrow the cave door. He's not been out (that I've seen) for 10 days and it was a squeeze then to return to the cave. I suppose give it another week and lift up the cave and turn him out! The gap at the bottom should be big enough once the cave is lifted.

The local shop I use did have some catfish caves. Maybe one of them could be used. I suppose point it to the back / side of the tank where the entrance is quiet, but where we can peek into it when we want to.

The shrimp continues to carry her eggs and the new shrimps are finally starting to venture out - both took algae pellets today and hid away with them. So, apart from why aren't the Neons coming up to feed - though even when they had the tank to themselves they hardly fed - I think the tank is quiet & relaxing.

The loach ventures out

Started to see a lot more of the loach today, but every time there is movement in the room it hides. It's OK if the movement doesn't cause vibration, but if anyone walks by heavily it swims to hide.

But I have to congratulate it - the snail population certainly seems to have been devastated! There are still plenty about, but it's already down to a reasonable amount, rather than a plague. But I keep getting a fright when I hear a knocking on the glass as the loach bangs a large snail against the glass. It's amazingly loud! Not sure whether it's an attack on the snail, or an accident as it tries to get a snail off the side of the tank higher up, which then slips down and it's trying to catch again.

And I've caught a brief glimpse of the upsidedown catfish hiding under a ledge on the outside of the cave. It's well covered by plants, so difficult to spot.

Also managed to get some pictures of various occupants today - I think everyone but the upsidedown catfish. So will start loading some pictures to this to make it more interesting.

New Inhabitants

Well we now have 2 more new inhabitants.

First, there's polky - the polka dot loach that the shop owner assures me won't grow much more than about an inch longer than current size but will eat baby snails like they are going out of fashion. A bit jump and hides when you arrive into the room, but settles and appears soon.

Then Turvey - the upsidedown catfish. Nice little creature - although only seen 1 flash of 'him' since he went into the tank. It was hard to find any in the display tank - I expect it will be harder to find him in our tank.

Getting ready for the next occupants

I went into the shop as I was running passed to see if they still had the halfbeaks, but the ones in the tank are still covered in white spot. So won't be trying to control the frisky halfbeak that way, just yet!

On a positive note, my white spot hasn't yet returned - been clear for 7 days now. So hopefully that trauma is over. But the snail population continues to grow so we're looking at getting an upsidedown catfish tomorrow, and maybe a small loach that she's recommended.

All of the tanks have their own water supply, so white spot in one isn't a problem. Will also get some bogwood for the bristlenose catfish. That's recommended for their digestion, plus for other fish, but not seen any real bogwood before elsewhere. £4.50 for a huge piece - I'll probably chop it into at least 2 to fit it into the tank. Not really sure yet where I'll fit it in! Each piece must be at least 15 inches long!