Substrate is destroying my Corys barbells

[zach_fresh]

i have a planted tank with flourite mixed with just regular gravel. i noticed today that my corys barbells are starting to shrink. i remeber they did this once before in my 10 gallon(that just had regular gravel) and they grew back fine. i cant get rid of thr flourite and i dont wanna give up my cory cats, what should i do? just treat with Melafix everytime the degenerate????

 

[lmw80]

Is there any way you would consider switching to either less jagged gravel or sand?

 

[krap101]

when you rub it between your fingers does it hurt? not exactly hurt, but like, does it feel sharp?

ive heard a low ph could wear them away too

 

[Meredith]

Melafix does help with regrowth, but unless you remove the problem, I don't see how it will benefit them in the long run.

 

[rubysoho]

it also might be the level of toxins in your tank or that they aren't getting a varied diet. What are your water perameters and what do you feed them?

 

[Devilishturtles]

Could be a number of things causing the problem, and not your gravel. Bacterial infections, poor water quality, etc.

 

[mattrox]

I doubt the gravel is doing this. I had corys lose barbells in a bare bottom tank and it was due to disease...... Took a while to work it out too.