Who Gives A Fish Forums

firedrop wrote: ↑Fri Jun 20, 2025 8:20 pm Yeah, eBay can be hit or miss. I got some great Java Fern last year, but another time the plants were half dead. Always quarantine new plants for a week, just in case.

Quarantining is key. I lost a whole tank once because I didn't. Learned my lesson the hard way.

Exactly. My Corydoras love sifting through the sand. It's worth the extra effort for their sake.

Good call. Just remember to rinse the sand thoroughly before adding it. Cloudy water is a pain to deal with.

I've done this in my 40 gallon with no issues. Just make sure the sand layer isn't too thick, maybe half an inch max. Also, stir it gently during water changes to prevent dead spots.

Foldo wrote: ↑Mon May 19, 2025 10:52 pm Plants can slightly slow down the initial ammonia spike since they compete with bacteria for nutrients. But long-term, they're beneficial. What's your lighting schedule like?

That's true, but I'd still recommend plants. They're worth the slight delay. Just keep an eye on your levels.