That does it for the Cories

I moved the last, biggest, strongest, most-resilient, yet lethargic, sick, fin-eroded albino cory to the 5 gallon tank in hopes of nursing him back to health. While he was getting moved away from the possibly harrassing and stressful DG, he was getting moved closer to the definitively aggressive albino buenos aires tetra (from the kettle to the fire?).

While the water quality is probably worse in the 5 gallon (higher nitrates without plants), I wanted to remove him from whatever was negatively affecting him in the 30 gallon. I also feel better about medicating the 5 gallon for whatever reason, and I threw some Melafix in there, because it's supposed to help with fin regeneration.

Well, whatever it was, it was not fixed by the movement to the "QT" tank. In fact, he did not last more than a week and eventually passed away (peacefully I hope?). It stinks, because cories are definitely my favorite fish I've kept, but I cannot seem to keep them alive.

I'd like to eventually try again in the 30 gallon with the following qualifications:
* a school of at least 6 to help dilute any agression/stress arising from the DG
* stable water params that provide a plant-friendly, algae free environment
* bigger forground plants, providing more cover
* a relatively secluded cave that can be a safe-haven from DG, light, or other stressors