Do small corys need hiding places?

[maronov]

Will my pandas be happier with a few driftwood caves, or do they not like to hide? My tank is planted so there are some shaded places already.

[Mgamer20o0]

i think all fish like to have hiding places.

[jm1212]

it wouldnt hurt to have a couple of caves

[VectorZulu]

i think all fish like to have hiding places.

What I was going to say, although some species of fish really require hiding places such as cichlids, but all fish like to have quite time now and again, and you should provide them with a place to chill out for a bit, corys are no exception.

[Cory Lover]

Hi,

You should deffiantley make some hiding places for your Cories. Cories, like most catfish, like some dark places.

Cory Lover

[fishcatch22]

cories love to hide in java moss.

[maronov]

cories love to hide in java moss.
Intresting... I suppose I can get a driftwood or rock cave and add some java moss when I have the chance. Anybody have any suggestions about where to get a natural cave-style decor online? Most sites I've visited have artificial stuff, but if I'm to attach java moss I'll need real rock/wood.

[Mgamer20o0]

well.... i always cheat and use terracotta pots which i can use fish line and hold java moss down.

[GirlieGirl8521]

well.... i always cheat and use terracotta pots which i can use fish line and hold java moss down
I just wanted to add that I just recently placed a smallish terracotta pot in my 29g (that is home to 7 panda cories and 6 albinos) just because I took out a rock and thought it would a good temporary "hiding spot". Everytime I look in the tank there are 3-4 Panda cories in the pot. I had no idea they'd like it, or I would have done this before.

I say get some terracotta pots. You could hide them with some plants so they aren't so noticeable. Your cories will love them!

I had to throw in my picture. :D I thought it was so cute that I took one when i first saw them in the pot. Its not the best, but you can see them laying in it.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y130/SouthernGirl8504/Newest%20tank%20pictures/pandasinpotWinCE.jpg

[maronov]

Great picture, GirlieGirl8521!
And Mgamer20o0 - java moss can grow on these pots?

[Mgamer20o0]

Great picture, GirlieGirl8521!
And Mgamer20o0 - java moss can grow on these pots?

java moss is only limited by your imagination. i dont know if it took root like on driftwood or rocks but its on there. i just use fish line to keep it down.

[maronov]

Thanks everyone. Added a pot today. It looks strangely natural among the plants. Hopefully my corys will explore it soon enough.

[Mgamer20o0]

there is a couple things i have done with my pots. first hit out the bottom which it looks like you did. the other is put half of it in the gravel to make smaller caves for the fish.

[maronov]

there is a couple things i have done with my pots. first hit out the bottom which it looks like you did. the other is put half of it in the gravel to make smaller caves for the fish.
I understand knocking out the bottom... but why make the caves smaller?

[Mgamer20o0]

keeps some of the bigger fish out and lets the little ones in.

[sexymumma]

If you were to buy a terracotta pot, can you just buy one from your local hardware shop?

What are the requirements of cleaning it before it enters the tank?

[maronov]

If you were to buy a terracotta pot, can you just buy one from your local hardware shop?

What are the requirements of cleaning it before it enters the tank?
I bought one from a nearby florist for about $1. I just washed mine off with hot water since I doubt there was anything more than dust on it.