Question about corys hiding

[cambro]

I have two corys and have had them for probably about a year. They have always seemed very healthy, playful, and happy. Since my pleco died (yes, my tank was too small for a pleco, but he died after I took out the driftwood -long story), the corys have been hiding in the castle the pleco used to hide in (and eventually outgrew). I never see them anymore and when I was doing a water change tonight I lifted the castle just to be sure they are still alive! They both swam out and look okay. Could they be breeding? I have no idea of the sexes. I worry that they are not eating... Any ideas?

BTW, ph is 7.8, ammonia/nitrites are 0, nitrate is 10-20 ppm.

 

[DHR]

First, I'd suggest getting a couple more -- they're braver and more active in a group. How aggressive is your lighting? Do they have places to seek shade?

 

[cambro]

I guess I should have mentioned that my concern is that they have always been very visible before and not shy at all. This is just a recent development that they have taken to hiding away. One of them comes out on occasion, but only to sit outside the castle.

 

[EQualizer]

maybe since the pleco vacated the spot, and the cories liked it, they've maybe moved in and just like chilling there now that it is not occupied?

 

[cambro]

I hope that's it. They just don't seem to scavange anymore, but I'll just keep an eye on them. What else can I do, right?

Thanks!