Otos or cories?

[Kristinann]

I am going to be doing an Amazon-themed tank (20 gallons). Pool Filter sand, planted with driftwood, CO2, HOB 20 galllon rated filter, 20 gallon rated sponge filter. I plan to stock a small school of neon tetras and a pair of apistogramma cacatuoides. Now, I am just debating between a few otos, or a few cories. Which would you do in this setup (if cories, which kind?) and why?

[rwilliams254]

I have peper cories and they're fantastic!

[jpappy789]

Corys are far more active and visible IME. As for what kind I really don't know...too many to choose from.

[coach_z]

cories...they are more active and the die less frequently!*




*i have never had luck with Ottos

-chris

[fishycat]

Cories & otos are two completely different elements in a tank. That being said, I vote cories as they are much more active & up front. I encourage you to check out habrosus cories - they max out & 1" and you could have 8-10 easily in a 20H, more in a Long.

[waldo12]

I agree with everything that has been said, cories are the way to go :D (unless you have algae problems. In that case, BN plecos would do just as well as otos. Plus they die less)

There's so many suitable Cory species, C. aeneus, C. paleatus (prefers cooler water), C. sterbai, C. trilineatus, and C. habrosus to name a few. Brochis splendens is also another candidate, IMO they look and act exactly like Corydoras species. They do get a tiny bit bigger though (3 inches).

[bunnyhunter42]

otos are like good janitors, the tank is always clean (algae free) and you rarely ever see em. cories on the other hand are much more visually pleasing in the respect that they will make you laugh just watching them swim with their antics lol. i personally have some of both (i want zebra oto's tho...) and love them both but for what you are after, cories are the way to go without a doubt!

[eveliens]

I voted cories for the same reasons as about. Just remember if your cacs breed, they may be a bit nasty to the cories.

[James0816]

I vote Otos...but I may be biased. ;)

[aXio]

Ottos!!

[Kristinann]

Yeah, I have been worried about the apistos being aggressive to cories, since the cories are more bottom dwellers. Thoughts?

[jpappy789]

Is it a 20 long or tall?

[Kristinann]

Tall. 24x12" footprint. I know a long would be better, but...

[Ballyhoo]

I vote corys but i'm biased :D

[James0816]

hey! that's my line! ;)

Oto's! Oto's! Oto's!

Ok...I'm good. I'll leave it be.

[GCL]

Do both. Ottos are great for helping to keep some algaes under control. I've had my 6 for a year now...very healthy!

[Denj]

I voted cories. Like all the preceding posters have already stated they're hardier & more active than otos & you've got a lot of different species of cories to choose from. Good luck!

[Sarahann31190]

I picked cories because I've never had much luck keeping otos alive. My cories are all so active and have such great personalities.

[FishDreamer48]

I have never had a cory I didn't like and I have had quite a few types.

[dundadundun]

cories... unless you can convince James0816 to part with some of his babies. if you can i'd definitely give that a consideration.

[cap1384]

I VOTE BOTH