Cory Aquarium Diary : Disaster Strikes my Blue Bolt shrimp Tank

Cloudy Tank

The tank turned very cloudy. This is not the first time, however this time that night the shrimps were resting on the surfaces in orgy. I did not think too much as maybe they are having some special routine.

Shrimps on surface

The next morning something is seriously not right. Some of the shrimps climbed on the side of the glass above the waterline and saw a dead shrimp resting on the plant which doesn't look right. The air line sponge filters and overhang filter are quite weak too coincidentally as debris and bio material growths have jammed them up. As I need to send my toddlers there is nothing much I could do immediately.

Water Change

Once I arrived back home, I do immediate water change and clean up and found the main culprit. One of my large Corydoras died which I am quite sure because it has been lethargic for some time before all this happens. Usually when the weather turns warmer. This Corydoras virginiae has been with me for more than 5 years I guess from original batch of 7.

A number of Corydoras died in the past but they are smaller and the cloudy water will go away a few days later. So I did not do much except for maybe once a fortnight water change. I am able to get away from this because the tank is fully packed of plants. Really full such that there is not much space for the cats to swim.

Stability and Prime (Seachem)

The water change is large about 35% but I felt is necessary to provide a remedy shock. Added enough Stability to control the water parameters. That night about 10 shrimps dead. The next day about 5.  Then 1 or 2. Every death I will remove it instead of letting it tear apart by others as I do not want the water to be damaged. The tank have hundreds of blue bolt shrimps from original batch of 7 which likely comes from 3 parents. 

Each of the day I will add Stability and some Prime with reduce dosages. Per instruction New Tank requires 7 days of Stability. Not taking chances. I have been adding about 2 to 3 times a day of reduced dosage. Will monitor closely still.

The shrimps are now actively foraging. Looks like I managed to save the tank. Phew !

Cory

2022-0630