I understand what you are saying, just that if all fish seem happy, health, eating, then how do i know if i have a problem?
You know if you have a problem if:
a) your LFS allows you to purchase those fish for your tank
b) you look at tank sizes for those fish, and realise they all need tanks either that size or larger, but far less fish in that tank
b) you test your water. It is highly likely you have some high readings there, particularly nitrate due to the huge amount of waste produced by all those fish and the filter being unable to cope with it. Even though it is apparent you are conducting water changes, they won't be enough in this case.
Even if you look on the BiOrb stocking instructions, you will find that your tank is overstocked and their instructions are overstocked anyway. The BiOrb I had said 6 small bodied fish - aside from perhaps microrasbora or endlers, 6 bodied fish would probably need 50+ liters depending on species.
The level of casualties doesn't always determine health though, as I found out myself when I first started keeping tropical fish, having 9 neon tetras in the 15L version of the BiOrb. I didn't lose any for some time, but when I realised what a huge mistake I had made and was left with 3 or 4, I took them to my LFS who took them in for free and got a betta.
The shrimp issue does seem very strange to me...
I understand what you are saying, just that if all fish seem happy, health, eating, then how do i know if i have a problem?
I am very very confused by the shrimp issue, it doesnt make sense at all, as like i say, the other fish never ever went near the shrimp at all.
Im sorry that it doesnt fit in with your idea of the perfect tank. But that is the way it has ended up and for the last 9 months they have all been doing really well.
I didn't say anything about a perfect tank. It is overstocked, to be sure, and with an odd mix of one and two fish per species.
dont you think maybe fish die? Leaving one or 2 per species?
What do you want me to do, kill my Neon and Rosy tetra so that they are not 1 of a species?
I really would re-stock your tank. There are some lovely microrasbora species out there that would do much better in that tank and you may be able to keep your guppies in there with them. Or, even just have a group of one of those tetra species (either with guppies and 6 individuals, or no guppies and perhaps 8 individuals). Your tank will truly be far happier and healthier.
Please do not become annoyed towards us - we are merely trying to help you get the best life for your fish. Even without the neon and rosy tetra, that tank will still be over and inapropriately stocked. It may not entirely be your fault if you don't have a good LFS and they allowed you to buy all those fish, but simple research would have given you the knowledge to ignore the LFS. Many new fish owners don't think of researching, believing their LFS is trust-worthy enough. They sell the fish right? I didn't research very well, but once I found out my mistakes, I hastened to try to make them right and start again. It's all a learning curve