Quote Originally Posted by Snagrio View Post
Unfortunately the regular neon tetras have been in decline. Less than half of the original 21 remain, and what's left don't look so good (meanwhile the black neons are all chubby and healthy, the difference is almost comical). Also rather upsettingly, I'm 99% sure I've lost one of my prized farlowella catfish as I've only seen one for a long time now. This tank is so huge and cryptic with a lot of bottom feeders so bodies can easily disappear before I have the chance to find them.

As for the plants, the Javas aren't technically gone. The dying adults produced tons of babies on their leaves before their end that are all just floating around haphazardly. I could glue them to decor but it was such a massive hassle last time that I just don't feel up to the task.
I've had a lot of issues with neon tetras over the years. To the point that I just don't even try to keep them anymore. If you want something that in my opinion is more hardy, cardinal tetras get a bit bigger but would look great in a tank your size. Ich is rough, but the API super ich cure has always worked great for me even without raising the temperature in the tank. Might be worth trying next time, although I hope that's the last time you see it for awhile.