Linda N
Fish Fanatic
Finally months after it was recommended to me I completed the switch from a gravel substrate to a sand substrate. I have 5 endlers and 6 dwarf pygmy cories in there. I did have some red cherry shrimp but they did not survive a period of neglect from when I was sick and in the hospital. I was not sure how many of the pygmy cories I had left because I only ever saw 1 or maybe 2. Until I removed all of the décor, plants and wood from the 10 gallon tank, when I was happily surprised to see all six pygmy cories I started out with were all still alive. I worried about hurting them when catching them in the 10 gallon to move to their temporary quarters in a 3.5 gallon while I changed the substrate and then catching them again to move them back but they don't seem the worse for wear. The endlers have always been very active but I never used to see the cories. Since I moved them back a few hours ago they are going crazy chasing each other all over the tank and snuffling through the sand. All six of them were chasing around in a group which I have never seen before. I think I have seen more of them today than I have in the 6 months since I got them. I am going to give the tank some time to settle and then going to add a few more endlers and a few more pygmy cories, although the local fish store said the cories are a seasonal item and they may not have any until spring. Who knew - LOL. I am so excited that they are so much more active and seem happier and not hiding ALL of the time. Thanks to those who advised me that it was important to have sand for the pygmy cories.