Can I still get Cories?

[lenina1]

Hi All! I have a beginner questions, but I thought I would ask it here as it relates directly to Cories. I have recently learned (among many other things) that you can't put salt in your tank if you want to keep Cories. Unfortunately I added salt when I first set up the tank on the advice of the lps. Because I am cycling with fish I am doing frequent partial water changes (don't even get me started on the lps - they said all I needed was Cycle and I'd be ready in a week). My question is, will the water changes get rid of the salt so I can get Cories a few months down the road when everything stabilizes? Thanks for your help!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi lenina1

When your tank is cycled, the salt will have been diluted and removed through your water changes. Your corys will be healthy and happy there.

Since you have posted, let me explain why salt should not be used with corys. It is a far more serious matter than just causing them discomfort.

Because corys come from rivers and creeks in South America that have no natural salt content in them, their systems are not designed to have any way to eliminate it if it is absorbed through their skin. Long term exposure to salt will cause their kidneys and livers to fail and will result in premature death.

You might see that once in a while I suggest using salt with corys to treat certain bacterial infections. This is usually when it is a matter of life and death and I recommend it only for short term treatment.