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well, i'm worried about my cory's, i was just taking a close look at them, normally they are all hiding in their caves but a couple of them were out just now. and i realized most of them have their barbels (?)- wiskers have been either worn down or fallen off? either way they are missing them. and they had them when i first got them. they've been living in the 30g for about 5 months now. maybe more. and they've been fine until now.
the gravel is smooth from what i can tell. and the only other bottom dwellers are my bull dog pl*cos, but i was told to get them b/c they wont bother cory's unlike some pl*cos.
i have a couple rocks so that could be it. and i also have some resin caves and they usually are hidden away in there.
i'm worried b/c i'm getting some pygmy cory's next week and i want them to be comfortable.
if anybody has some input i'm willing to try anything, thanks.
oh i thought i would mention. i also have a 15g with some peppered cory's and that has a black gravel that's more rough then then 30g with is natural, and they are all fine.
thanks for any help
LIB

High nitrates will also cause barbel wear. water changes keeps nitrates down. this could be a cause.