Corydoras are social fish and should not be kept as single specimens. Most species do best in groups of at least six.
Setup essentials
- Use fine sand or very smooth substrate.
- Provide shaded resting zones and open foraging areas.
- Maintain strong oxygenation and clean water.
Feeding truth
Corys are not bin fish. They need dedicated sinking foods and occasional protein-rich meals. Feed after lights dim if top swimmers are too aggressive at meal times.
See related stocking threads in Freshwater Aquariums.
Checklist before making your next change
Before adjusting equipment, livestock, or water chemistry, run a short checklist. Test and log current readings, note fish behavior, and make one controlled change at a time. Recheck after 24-48 hours and only then decide whether another adjustment is needed. This method reduces random swings, avoids conflicting interventions, and gives you a clearer signal about what actually worked. It also creates a reliable record that helps when asking for support.
If you are troubleshooting quickly, include tank size, stocking, filtration setup, feeding pattern, and your latest readings in your post. Context matters more than a single number. Even experienced keepers rely on trend data and husbandry details, not one isolated test result.
Related categories and discussion areas
Continue with Freshwater Aquariums and discuss your exact setup in Freshwater Aquariums forum. For planting and layout crossover, also check Aquascaping & Plants.