corys barbells are torn

[fishman0]

One of my peppered corys are missing both of it's barbells what should I do. Do they grow back should I put more food in so he doesn't have to go digging around?

 

[clothahump]

Barbel regeration is not usual in severe cases.
What substrate are you using?
Fine Silica sand is the best as they constantly forage in amongst it.
I have not used gravel for over 6 years now and would never go back to it.

 

[fishman0]

I have gravel can I change to sand without screwing up the P.H. to much?

 

[clothahump]

Silica sand will not affect the Ph of the water.

 

[fishman0]

Wouldn't it the Ph change when I take out all the gravel wouldn't most of the bacteria die?

 

[dgodwin]

SInce a lot of bacteria is alive in the gravel, you will lose some. If you want to switch substrates, I would suggest taking some of the old substrate and put it in some nylon stocking material, and put that on top of your new substrate. It will help the bacteria reestablish more quickly, and make it easier to remove later.

About pH. Since silica sand does not react with water, it will not affect your pH. If you used argonite (calcium carbonate-based sand,used in saltwater and some cichlid tanks,) then your pH would be buffered, and your pH would go up (AKA become more basic.) Hope this helps.

 

[YZFR1rider]

How would you go about cleaning your tank especially if you do vaccuums??

Matt

 

[lil_mikey69]

How would you go about cleaning your tank especially if you do vaccuums??

Are you asking how you clean with a sand substrate? Its actually a lot easier to clean. I use black sand in my 10 gallon, so you can see whatever is on the surface of it, and nothing can slip down. You can actually get the gravel vac less than 1/2 inch away from the sand without sucking any up. Once the sand is moist it stays in place pretty well.

 

[fishman0]

cory died so sad guess it couldn't eat