Corys lost whiskers

[powrslave]

My two corys lost their whiskers.
A friend mentioned it may be from a high nitrate.
I had my water tested yesterday and everythign was perfect.
PH,ammonia,nitrate,hardness
Can anyone suggest something to try?

 

[twoluvcats]

what kind of substrate do you have...rough gravel can damage their wiskers pretty bad.

 

[powrslave]

I do have medium size regular gravel...and it is a bit abrasive.
Will moving to a polished stone or fluorite correct problem?
That seems like th eonly solution...or cover bottom with plants

 

[twoluvcats]

cories LOVE sand. but, if you have the standard aquarium gravel then its probably not the problem...i have it too and my cories all still have thier whiskers. maybe someone else will have some suggestions.

 

[ashleigh]

I don't know- if all of your levels were perfect I would guess the gravel- mine do okay on fluorite if that is an option for you-

 

[Leopardess]

It could be the gravel but my first course of action would be to double check all of the water parameters and make sure that it isn't spreading onto their fins or other fish - which would indicate a bacterial/fungal infection.

Something to keep in mind is that the gravel really should be very clean in their tank. Since their mouths are in almost constant contact with the gravel, they can get infections pretty quick if it's dirty.

I'd add some melafix or antibiotics to help grow their whiskers out w/o getting an infection. If you can put them in a hospital tank, that'd be great.

I"m not sure what size tank you have, but if you have room, I suggest getting at the minimum one more cory. They like to be in groups and 3 is really the smallest group I'd do It will make them more comfortable and probably a bit more active

Good luck!