View Full Version : How many cories
TheZoo
05-06-2006, 10:02 PM
Ive seen (on this and other fish forums) people who keep what seems like an over-stocked amount of cories in a tank. Is there a different "general rule" as far as bottom feeders? Id LOVE to put some more cories in with the three i have, as well as at least 3 in the smaller tank, but also might want to put in other additional fish. I dont want them for clean-up, although Im glad they do some work in that department. I just love watching these guys, they have so much character! Whats a safe limit for the bottom dwellers?
TheZoo
05-08-2006, 1:58 AM
anyone? I hope its not a dumb question!
PurePerfection
05-08-2006, 12:43 PM
A pair is minnium, 6 is recomended
alireza
05-08-2006, 1:14 PM
I agree with 5-6 too although I have three panda cories and they are doing fine. I probably add three more since they are very social animals.
I think (correct me if I am wrong) same general rules apply to cories as far as stocking is concerned. Because cories are fish too and they produce waste which contributes to the bio-load of the tank. However, one thing to consider in addition to the total stocking of the tank, is the number of fish in each layer (top, middle, bottom). Meaning that you don't want to overcrowd one layer and leave the other empty. So if you have enough room in the tank for let's say two middle swimmer or two botom feeders and your middle is already crowded, it's better to add the bottom feeders.
I would also guess it depends on how well you keep your tank clean. Cories tend to be sensitive to high nitrates and high nitrate conditions. They also like cooler water for a long life (but that has nothing to do with cleaning). If you add more cories obviously you will be adding more waste so you will have to do larger overall water changes with gravel vacuuming to keep things as clean as possible.