High energy cory

[Puffernewbee]

I have 2 albino cories in my 29 gallon tank. Both used to basically sit along the bottom and not do much but lay there most of the time. For the last three weeks, one spend all day long swimming about mid level around the tank. He will occasionally break the surface while swimming upside down. The other cory just lays around the bottom still. Is my active cory doing thing common for cories? Water is 0 on ammonia, nitrites and nitrates and the ph is 7-7.2.

 

[Karnaaj]

It is very common for a cory to swim to the surface to take a gulp of atmospheric oxygen. It does not mean that there is not enough O2 in the tank however. In fact I would be concerned about a cory that didn't take a trip to the surface every once in a while.

 

[nickbuter]

chances are there is probably something spooking them, try adding for more hiding places like caves or driftwood to make them feel more secure.

 

[Imagine]

All three of my Albino cories do this, especially with the light off. One seems to do it more then the other two. Eventually they will calm down for a while, then start up again. They have done this ever since I put them in the tank. I'm keeping a close eye on them to see if anything changes.

A friend of mine said he had two cories in his tank that didn't move around much. When he added the third one they have become very active as well. I'm guessing this is a good thing.

 

[racingjason]

Imagine hit the nail on the head. They like to be in groups, get a few more if you have room for them. Mine are cleaning or swimming around like that all day long!

 

[Puffernewbee]

I have lots of cover including a large chunk of driftwood so I do not think they lack for cover. I was thinking about adding another cory or two but I have been putting it off because I do not want to overstock.
Currently have:
2 guppies
2 Blue Rams
2 Albino Cories
6 Neons
5 Harlequin rasboras
1 otto
3-4 ghost shrimp
Actually now that I look at the numbers I may have room for a few more cories.

 

[Addict]

A friend of mine said he had two cories in his tank that didn't move around much. When he added the third one they have become very active as well. I'm guessing this is a good thing.

That'd be me. Three is the magic number for Cory Cats. The initial two would very seldom come out when the light was on, even to feed. As soon as I added the third (a "transfer" from another tank and also older), they took to life.

I'd have to say they are much happier now.