Corydoras Catfish Barbel Loss/ Erosion? Medication?

Question

I have read that there has been studies that prove that barbel loss/ erosion isn't caused by the substrate that is used in aquariums but a bacterial infection. What type of medication/ antibiotic should be used to cure the infection but not harm too many beneficial bacteria?

Answer 1

You are correct.  The erosion of barbels on cories is caused not by the kind of substrate in your tank but by a bacterial infection caused by dirty substrate and/or high nitrates.  The best way to clear up this infection is to vacuum your substrate really well and get your nitrates down.  If you can manage this the barbels should grow back.  I suggest you double or even triple the amount of water changes you are doing on the tank these fish are in.  Adding a second filter to the tank might also be called for.  Maracyn or Maracyn II will also help to treat the infection, but if you don't deal with the root cause it will just come back and the barbels will not grow back.

Answer 2

ditto