Bullying Issues In 10 Gal Community

[jmiller]

Currently in the 10 gal is 2 male guppies, 3 ember tetras, 3 neon tetras & 1 false julii cory. I know it's not the best mix but I was given some really bad advice when I set it up and I'm trying to resolve all the issues with a larger tank soon. But in the meantime over the last week one of my guppies has started bullying the embers. He chases them constantly. If it was up to me I would just get rid of them but I can't since they are my grand-daughter's favorite. I've just upgraded my filter so it's possible I can add a little to the tank so would it be better to add more embers, for strength in numbers, or more guppies to give them more of a distraction with each other? I'm only talking about adding a few embers or maybe one guppy. Do you think that would make any difference?

The funny thing about all this is the guppy tried that with the neons also but it ended a little differently. After chasing the Embers all over the tank he went at one of neons, the first one just kind of moved out of the way but didn't run but the second one, and the biggest, didn't back down and met the guppy head on. It was quite the collision. After the impact the guppy was like WTH just happened?, so to make sure he understood the neon hit him again. The guppy doesn't bother the neons.

 

[jmiller]

anyone?

 

[aly_starh]

Well, to start off with, the stocking that you SHOULD have, will be overstocking your tank.

Fish that need to be kep in a shoal tend to be very nippy when not in large number.

We will start with Tetras;- you should keep a minimum of 6 per tetra group. Some Tetras of different types will apparently shoal, but i haven't experienced this.
To minimise bullying, you will need to up the 3 of each type to 6 of each type of tetra.

The Corydoras also like being in groups of atleast 5, you have 1 so will have to buy 4 more to keep it happy.

Guppys ideally should be in a group of 3 atleast.

These fish excluding the Cories, have to be in groups. If they are not they will be very nippy towards other fish.

--
In a 10G, you will not be able to keep 6 Ember Tetras, 6 Neon Tetras and 5 Julli cories.
Julli cories need a minimum tank of 2 foot.

So, if i were you, i would keep 1 shoaling group and replace the Jullis with Pygmys.
With decent filtration you could even up the shoaling group of Tetras to 8.

Hope that helps

 

[jmiller]

Thanks. I know I have issues with what I should have but once I get the larger tank I will hopefully be moving the Embers and cory to the new tank leaving the guppies and neons in the 10 gal. I think for right now the simplest thing would be to try adding another guppy. Maybe by increasing them to three they will keep each other occupied and leave everything else alone. I have zero issues with the tetras and the cory, they get along fine. It's just than one blue guppy.

 

[jmiller]

Just to update the new guppy has been in the tank for a few hours and that has seemed to fix the problem. I have only seen him chase the smallest Ember once and that was very briefly. I hope it continues to stay this peaceful.

 

[aly_starh]

good luck