I thought that sort of algae was an indication of lack of oxygen and stagnation but not sure. Not sure if the straw treatment helps that type of algae either but worth a try.
Mine appears all by itself in a large bath and half a mussel float I have outside. I rarely feed them but, when I do, I sprinkle a little dried yeast. Some suggest dried blood or drop a little dried sheep poo, or grass clippings in.
The water stays clear all by itself, much to my amazement since there is little surface plant yet (despite my efforts to grow some) and full sun (well hopefully one day we will get full sun again :-? ). It has a large pond filter plus the decks overhang the water by about 3 meters each end. It also has a small trickle of fresh water continually running into it from a ballcock.
It should have curled up and started to die within 24 hours of adding the E-mycin. It goes dark then browns and shreds. Keep vacuuming it out ASAP as it will foul the water as it dies.
I never thought of origins :roll:
Hengeils aren't much different in size to neons so not sure what you could get that was smaller. Cherry barbs are about the same size.
I would keep him separate to stop possible harrassment from the others. The fungus is a result of secondary infection from an underlying wound. Keep the water conditions as good as you can and treat the fungal infection. I think you might find if you can gently knock off the fungus, the original wound underneath may already be improving.
One of my filters came with a little brush on the end of a long wire (can't remember which one though). I also got good brushes of various thicknesses from the Bonn Brush man
Cardinals are certainly hardier and live longer than neons.
I like the harlequins and they will be fine. I also have Hengeli rasboras. These look like harlequins except they are smaller and have a neon bright orange stripe in them. Look really cool!
Your pH isn't too low so most fish will adapt.
I have never had much success with dwarf gouramis so can't comment on whether a pair or trio would be better.
The speedier schooling fish don't go so well with bettas as they love nibbling on the fins and will beat them to the food.
My boss breeds Birmans and they always use litter boxes inside. It often stinks, no matter how assiduously they are cleaned out (probably as there can be anything up to 12 cats and kittens using them).
We never had a litter box for our cat, the first thing she was taught was to go outside to do her business.