panda corys

Question
Hi, ive just set up my first tank and its been running now for about 4 weeks ive just lost 2 panda corys they were ok 2 days ago but seemed to hide and not come out for any food just lying on the bottom the other one is still active and cleaning the rocks and plants etc, its a 40ltr tank and i have 3 platys and 5 neons in it, ive done water changes recently and i use a gravel vacum, the only thing i can think of is that i used white spot treatment for a new tetra that i bought foolishly from a pet superstore. could this be the cause, im really upset they are my favourite little fish and i dont want to lose the other one...im at the moment looking into buying a bigger tank because i love the fish so much please help!!!!!

Answer
Hi Liz:  What do you feed your Cory cats????  I suspect that the deaths may have been due to the medication but I would have the water tested to make sure you do not have a chemical issue going on in the tank.  I would also make sure that you have a quarantine tank for all new fish as well as to use as a hospital tank.  Medication will also destroy the bacterial colonies so make sure you add in bacteria when you are finished with the medication.  Cory Cats are shoaling fish so please buy a few more.... they are happy in groups of three and up... dave