I dabbled a bit here and there afterwards, but nothing significant until several months ago when I took over a 20 gal. tank that ended up being stocked with a firemouth, an oscar, a red devil !!!!!!, and a common pleco
. This is what happens when you shop for fish where the "help" doesn't ask the right questions. Well, unfortunately, things went downhill and only the firemouth survived. I got the tank back into shape and started looking into what I could put in the tank with the firemouth. Corys were suggested so I brought home two Ambiacus from the LFS. I didn't like the way things were going so I moved them out into another tank and ended up with a bristlenose and some tiger barbs along with the firemouth and everyone gets along. I was instantly smitten with the corys, however, and went about setting up a tank with a pool filter sand substrate just for them. I moved the two Ambiacus over to that tank after getting it cycled and just recently added three Julii and a bristlenose. The Ambiacus were previously in a tank with large, round "pea gravel" substrate and while not harming them like sharp gravel can, I knew it wasn't even close to what they needed. Almost as soon as they were in their new home they were busy plowing through the sand looking for a snack and I swear they were smiling! I really enjoy watching them and how they interact among themselves. I must say I've learned more about the hobby in the last few months than the previous 25 years, but it is a good feeling to know that your fish are going into a properly set up and cycled tank with correct water parameters rather than "hope and pray". I'm not sure why I am drawn to the corys, but I am just as fascinated with the channel and flathead catfish I love to catch (and release). The only time I wasn't so fascinated was when a rather sizeable (and grumpy) channel cat did not appreciate being held by the lower lip like a largemouth bass and chomped down on my thumb. I swear I thought I was going to have a broken thumb before he let go, but at least I learned a better way to hold them after that! Beautiful fish, though.
Chris
