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Tank size: 10 gallon
Tank inhabitants: 2 female betta (one noticably larger than the other), 1 salt&pepper cory (most likely female), 2 male mickey mouse red lyrefin swordtails (one noticably larger than the other)
Temperature: approx. 27 degrees C

The tank started out with the two swordtail and the smaller betta. One of the swordtails has always been much smaller than his partner and had a much shorter tail (the sword part) than him as well. Sometimes, I could swear that the tail was shrinking,
I'd been wondering about giving the betta a playmate and adding a bottom-feeder, so I finally did. The woman at the LPS said I was not overstocking, and I'd asked her three times to make sure. After a fresh partial (about 20-30%) water change, I added the two last night. Everyone seemed just fine and full of energy (the cory is the most active fish in the tank by far!).
I wake up this morning and do my normal "everything is okay?" check. Turns out the smaller swordtail... well... no longer has a sword. Someone must have bitten it off.

I don't know what to do at this point. I know... "back-up tank". I can't afford one at this time, but I will be getting a 28 gallon and a 90 gallon when I have the funds (sometime between summer and winter this year). I'm just wondering what to do for the time being.

I know that female sword tails can turn into males naturaly there are many reasons that can cause it. Could it be possible that this is happening in reverse? Ive not heard of it before? But I didnt believe it when people told me females could change.

The cory would definatly appreciate some friends at least 2 more. But I would wait till you get a bigger tank for that.

For a tank try craigs list or ebay second hand tanks are not to bad but after my expreience with it id sugest getting a new filter and heater depending on quality and age. Ive had to buy both.

Well... there's a few problems with the tank, first being that swordtails grow far too large for a ten gallon. As im-trying stated, the cory really belongs in a school (six or more for the best results). I'm going to state that and move on. It sounds like you already know that you need larger tanks and I'm not one to harp on the matter.

As was stated, females can turn to males in an all-female environment. I'm almost positive that the reverse is not true, though. That reason is why my sister chose to get all males to prevent overpopulation of her tank.

Have you thought about fin/tail rot? Has the sword seemed to melt away or simply grow smaller? I'm not familiar with fin rot in anything besides my male bettas, so I'm not sure how it appears in other species.

Besides the adult size of your fish (and you haven't really mentioned what size they are currently at), you're actually probably okay on stocking at this moment. I don't suggest keeping them in the tank for longer than necessary and I wouldn't add any more, but with diligence, it can work for a while longer. I'd just suggest getting a larger tank for at least the swords when you can.

Since you mention that the sword disappeared right after adding the second betta girl, I'm going to have to suspect her. Betta are great at nipping fins. I know that Houston on this forum calls them alternately "betta babes" and uhh... "betta witches". I'd keep an eye on the girls and make sure there's no aggression. Also, make sure you HAVE two girls rather than one of them being a short-finned male. I've had that experience, unfortunately.

Keep an eye on aggression and nippiness. A ten gallon may or may not be enough room for each girl to have enough territory. I've successfully kept a group of betta girls in a 20 gallon long, but the ten gallon might be a bit cramped. It all depends on the personality and aggressiveness of the girls in question.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

Well, things have taken a turn for the worst.

I went to check the tank today to find the poor little swordtail has died.

RIP.

Hey Shanz, sorry you lost your little buddy. Next time ask on the boards not in the shop
... unless you ask the shop staff the question "Do you want to make money at your shop?"
That's an okay question to ask.... .

I'm joking! Basically the motivation of fellow aquarists is different to shop staff. Often staff in pet shops haven't had experience in all types of fishkeeping (or any at all). Some staff are inexperienced but not intentionally misleading.

What to do if you are worried the fish will sell whilst you are doing your research.....
Ask the shop to take a deposit and put a sign on the tank that the two panda coreys are 'sold'. Tell them you will collect your fish the following saturday. This site is really good about answering queries so you can be sure to get help if you ask.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Yeah thats true. Kitten was right too, it was probably bacterial finrot. It gets around, its often very contagious, so watch your other fish carefull for any sign of similar symptoms, eroded fins, lighter patches on the skin etc.

First line cures are things like melafix and any one of a myriad of fungus and finrot cures sold at LFS's , after that there antibiotics prescribed by vets.