I've got 2 baby clowns in a 20g (I know, I know, but i'm upgrading to a 55 very soon) with a small tiger barb school. My problem is twofold: first, both loaches, but particularly the smaller one seem to have darkened, slightly puffy eyes. I treated for a mild case of ich a while back with maracide and coppersafe, so perhaps this could have cause it? Also, as the barbs are voracious eaters and pick off everything that enters the water (including sinking food and spiriluna!) I'm worried the smaller loach isn't eating. She seems to have lost some vitality, also, and hides more often. The larger loach is very vigorous and continually chases the barbs as well as scouring the bottom for food. Any suggestions on feeding or the eye thing? 1 thing I forgot to mention is that the water was way too hard a while back, I'm now using a water softening pillow and both the Gh and Kh have decreased. PH is about 6.7-8 and Ammonia, nitrates and nitrites are all 0 or very close. Pics are here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36863646@N03/
UPDATE:: The small loach died around 9:00 this morning.
I was sort of willing her to live and am very broken up about her death. Her gills were slightly red and inflamed (the male's are too to a lesser degree). He's become more aggresive and now takes food easier, but if it wasn't sarvation that killed her, I'm worried that whatever it was might hurt him. I installed a UV sanitizer and put peat in the filter. Is there anything else I can do? Also, any suggestions on how to make the barbs less food-aggressive would be EXTREMELY appreciated! TY.