Advice With My Weather/Dojo Loach Please?

[Seece]

Hi there, I recently purchased a small Weather Loach, over the last few days he has been near the top of the tank 95% of the time and I cant see him eating any food. The food going in are fish flakes, Siamese fighter pellets, Pleco tablets and a pinch of blood worms, now I heard that Loachs arnt fussy eaters but he hasnt touched any of this.

I have just finished transfering the fish over to a newer, bigger tank. I had to wait for a carpet to be laid to set up my new tank, but I decided to get ready anyhow, I removed the gravel from my old tank and a few plants (all artificial) after a couple of days my Siamese fighter was swimming on one side and laying on his side whenever he could, the next day he died. throughout this my loach was swimming around seemingly happy and eating. The days pass and I set my new tank up, using the old filter and 80% of the old water, I checked all levels and they were fine, so I transfered the fish, again all levels were fine after 24 hours.
The Loach was happy, full of life. Yesterday I added a new Siamese fighter and the Nitrate levels have slightly gone up but not alarmingly, but now my loach is hovvering around the top of the tank, rejecting all food and staying practically in the same place all day, Any helps wpuld be very grateful, I have grown fond of him and really hope this isnt a serious problem. If you need any more info just ask, thanks!!
Thanks Mel! I have noticed all my fish near the top of the tank and realised it might be (probably is!) a problem with not enough oxygen in the water.

I know its naughty to keep the fighter with certain fish but they seem to get along fine, of course if i see them fight I will have to rehouse him (the fighter) my old fighter established himself in the tank and never bothered any of the other fish so I'm hoping this new fighter does too!

[<3 mel =]]

im sorry but im not really sure of what to tell you. it could be that your loach is just getting air out of his system- this is normal, but when they do this they go to a corner of the tank and 'stand' up of their caudal fins (tail fins). also if your loach does this for prolonged periods you should consalt your vet. he may have a swimbladder illness (it's not really an illness but i can't seen to think of the correct word =P ). i am not really sure if you should be keeping your fighter with the loach. it may be that they are attacking each other. dojos are usually very peacefll fish, but if another fish wants to fight, it's game on. perhaps you should find a new home for your fighter and get another loach or two? space permitting. while loaches are coldwater and bettas are tropial, your loach should adapt quite well to the climate, so i don't think this is the problem. if you can separate your betta you could also put a goldfish or two in with your loach, but remember, these fish need an extreme amount of room. probably a pond when they get older! i can't really help you any further on this one. sorry, and best of luck.