I have 8 Sterbai Cories in a 20G. The only other inhabitants are 2 Spotted juvie cories that were "rescued" from a betta bowl. It's filtered with an AC50 and readings are all good (Ammo-0, NO2- 0, NO3- <15, pH- 6.6, temp is 74). I've tried to do a large water change with cooler water (even before a storm), but can't seem to induce them to spawn. I typically feed Hikari sinking wafer and earthworms pellets with occasional live black worms. Any ideas on what I'm missing?
Can't get my Cories to spawn... any advice?
- Thread starter Hooked Newbie
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HN - Frozen Bloodworms are a great conditioning food for them. All my cories get them regularly because I feed them to the other fish in those tanks. At least two large water changes a week seems to increase the odds. Of course they have to be mature enough. Any idea how old they are?
I would do a few things. Sterbais need warmer water- they will do fine in discus tanks in the mid 80s. I would raise the tank temp up to at least 80.
Next, begin feeding them several times a day on high protein meaty foods. Let them pig out. The skip a weekly water change. rinse any prefilters and do minimal vac if needed. Then wait for a storm to blow in- rain or snow, doesn't matter- what you want is the barometric pressure change. Right before or as the storm hits, do a big waterchange- at least 50%. It can be cooler, but in my experience, this is not a necessity.
Next, begin feeding them several times a day on high protein meaty foods. Let them pig out. The skip a weekly water change. rinse any prefilters and do minimal vac if needed. Then wait for a storm to blow in- rain or snow, doesn't matter- what you want is the barometric pressure change. Right before or as the storm hits, do a big waterchange- at least 50%. It can be cooler, but in my experience, this is not a necessity.
Thanks! I'll start feeding meatier and gradually raise the temp. I really appreciate the advice folks!
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I agree- Ian Fuller apparently breeds these at 82 F.
I'm assuming you've not got any other spawning Corys? Some people add water from a spawning tank of peppered or bronze corys- the pheromones can stimulate more awkward species.
No other spawning cories. My Peppereds have, but they're in a tank with Yoyos. I'm raising the temp gradualy ( a degree or so per day) and improving their diet. Hopefully they'll cooperate.
The rainy season can fluctuate their temperature 10 degrees or more. No need to go that slowly to raise it. The fluctuations are actually going to encourage the spawning behavior you're looking for, IME. I was terrified to do the big cold water changes that were recommended when I first got started with some of the more difficult plecos. Now I make people freak out when they watch me do water changes. It definitely isn't something that has to be so completely micromanaged as long as there is NO ammonia or nitrite involved and the fish are healthy to begin with.
Barbie
Barbie
Everytime I spawn my corys I feed frozen blood worms and brine shrimp for about a week do about a 30% water change then add a tray of ice cubes to the tank, seems to work for me mostly everytime.