New to pygmy corydoras and forum

[FishyBean]

If you want to try something. Set up a webcam with night vision so you can observe your tank at night. I used to see a lot of activity from my pygmy corys that way.

Wish I had one; also, my tanks are now near a computer.

 

[sharkweek178]

Wish I had one; also, my tanks are now near a computer.

They aren't expensive. I got this one. It's only $21.30 on Amazon. You don't need to connect it to a computer. It does require WiFi though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YB8HZ8T?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_13&th=1

 

[FishyBean]

Thanks, sharkweek178, getting one now.

 

[FishyBean]

I did this also, (thanks to sharkweek178) but, I think my corys are camera shy. The first few days I saw them all, then, gradually they were disappearing. I thought I was loosing them, when for several days I saw only two; and the water parameters were good. Then today there are four or maybe 5 out of six. They were hiding pretty good in the plants and bottom of the tank.
Now for my real point of confusion;
1) the API pH high test show a pH of 8.8 but, the pH test pin given me show 7.74 (I am recalibrating the pen to be sure it is right)

In setting up makeup/water change reserve water in 5 gal. buckets
2) The API gH test is 10 drops = 179ppm and calcium 71.4, mag = 43.0 (based on calc I was given and noted in column title) The local store had only the Monitor Ca/Mg test kit and it indicated 360 for Ca (18 drops) and zero for Mg (3 drops).
Wondering which one to follow.
I am trying to read and figure out why the numbers are not closer.
since I have a whole house softener system, I started using and experimenting with the vided noted in the first column because after the softener the is still some ammonia and everything else is removed.

The Epson salt is for magnesium, not calcium. I use crushed eggshell for the calcium.