Neons too small?

[Zastrus]

I currently have a 10g tank, and it has a MM platy, and a guppy. I bought another platy, and 4 neons.

The next day i checked the tank, and 1 neon was dead.. seems the front half of it had been mutilated.. and another neon seems to be gasping for air, and it seems that it's missing a fin... 2 other neons are doing just fine..

There were 2 types of neons for sale, the smaller ones were 2 for $1. Bigger ones were a little more...

I know this is kinda stupid like common sense... but should they given back? (Not returned for $.)

 

[Zastrus]

Or whats a good shelter for neons in the tank? Im talking a small place where the other fish can't get to them? I saw a member of this forum who had made hiding places in his tank out of the broken ceramic pots used for plants.. are those ok?

 

[fishcatch22]

I think one of your neons died and the others ate it post mortum, and the one gasping for air is trying to tell you something. is your tank cycled? are you doing your regular PWCs?(partial water changes) can you test the water?

 

[Zastrus]

The water is normal, I just tested right now with the APC testkit..

Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 5ppm

 

[fishcatch22]

K, hmmmm.... then I don't get the gasping for air.... if they are being bullied, try to locate the culprit, and return him. platies are sometimes bullies IME

 

[Zastrus]

Nah, I'm just gonna take the little guys back. I think they're just too small compared to the other fish. I dont want any more to die!

Although they are cute little buggers!