Yeah, sand certainly can burn up filters if not careful. A really high salt concentration all of a sudden will definitely harm cories. Mine live in a little salt, but very gradually added. I used salt in the tank when my livebearers were in there. I haven't added any in a long time since I don't really find it necessary for tetra. Some people will disagree, but that's just the nature of fishkeeping! That was definitely the right thing to do to eliminate the salt. I'm glad they are doing better.