[Fluval Stratum substrate with Pygmy Corydora’s?]

On 8/8/2022 at 8:23 AM, Guppysnail said:

Mine did for about a month or two. I didn’t like it so I took it out before I added fish. So do not take just my word for it. 

Thanks! Glad you mentioned that I’m definitely going to keep my eye on it based off your experience 

[Fluval Stratum substrate with Pygmy Corydora’s?]

On 8/8/2022 at 6:07 AM, Guppysnail said:

Corys sometimes have a hard time in new tanks. Stratum does leech ammonia for awhile so you may want to let it season for 5-6 months with stratum. Stratum is also very light so until it settles in may get moved about by Cory making it difficult to keep plants rooted until it fully settles in. 

That’s interesting after 2 weeks I’m getting no ammonia (except for what I add to keep up with feeding beneficial bacteria). From what I’ve read people don’t get ammonia spikes until the substrate starts breaking down after a couple years/the end of its life cycle. I’ll have to look into that further

[Fluval Stratum substrate with Pygmy Corydora’s?]

So I decided to set up a 20gal planted tank and plan to have a community with Pygmy Corydoras, Celestial Pearl Danios, and maybe Rummy Nose Tetras? May get a few shrimp in the future too.

But my main concern is the Corydoras, I currently have a range of 2-4in of Fluval Stratum throughout the tank. Its cycling now and should be ready for fish soon. Does anyone have experience with Stratum and Cory’s? Should I cap with a couple inches of sand? I’ve seen people say it’s fine and have also seen people say they won’t like it or they’ll uproot all the plants. Any info helps thanks!

[Can I use my tap? Or should I use RODI?]

On 7/7/2022 at 10:19 AM, Guppysnail said:

My Pygmy cory do fine average 7.6-occasionally 8. Very hard water.  They spawn and seem active and happy. When it hits 8 I will see them flash occasionally.  I would just a bit of rodi I would not go the bother of full rodi. More pita than it may be worth. I hope that helps. 

Thank you! Part of me wants to just get a $100-$150ish system and install it in my laundry room so I don’t have to mess with jugs at the lfs or grocery. I figured I’d have to at least dilute with RO because my water is super hard.

[Why are emerald dwarf rasbora not more popular.]

Dude these guys are sick! That’s a good question! I don’t believe I’ve seen them at my lfs (I’m basically new to fish I only have a african clawed frog I rescued and some nerite snails) I’m currently looking into stocking a 10gal tank with some Nano fish and these guys would be perfect.

[Can I use my tap? Or should I use RODI?]

So I’m trying to decide what my water source will be, I’ve kind of been in and out of the hobby for a few years now and recently decided I want to set up a planted 10gal nano tank and stock it with some Pygmy Cory’s, maybe some white cloud minnows or neon tetras? (I haven’t made up my mind yet) I have a 40gal breeder with an African Clawed Frog I rescued that does just fine with my tap water, and currently my 10gal is only stocked with 4 nerite snails. 
 

Right out of the tap my PH is 8-8.2, my KH is 13°, and GH is 20°. 
 

Obviously I don’t want to harm any fish or have them living uncomfortably. So my question is should I get an RODI system and remineralize and/or mix with de-chlorinated tap to lower ph/kh/gh? Thanks you to anyone who has some thoughts!