New cories, thinking about rams

[bogey77]

Well, after reading on here for weeks, my tank is cycled and doing well. I started off with 6 black neons. I then waited a few days and went back to the Pet Depot for some julii cories. They were all out. Over the weekend, I traveled about 40 miles (sadly, the closest dedicated LFS), I saw some emerald cories. I watched them for a while and picked out a trio. I read up on cories before going, but the emerald slipped by my radar. While floating them in the tank, I did research on them (I know, I know, research before buying!).

At any rate, I really like these cories. I know they get large for a cory, but that may be a blessing in disguise. I planned to get a pair of German rams in a few weeks, but I don't want to put these cories in jeopardy. At this point, the cories are about 2" and very active. My 29 gal is moderately planted (fake plants) and I have several rock caves also. I also just ordered a nice piece of Malaysian driftwood for a centerpiece.

From what I've heard, Rams and cories together is a crapshoot. Might work and might not. I'll talk to the guy at the LFS and make sure I can return the Rams or cories if things don't work out. What do you guys think about my chances?

BTW, my cories are super active. I thought they did a lot of sitting around the bottom, but mine are all over the place. Is this normal?

Thanks,
bogey77

 

[flyfly]

yes, its very normal for your cories to be active. mine swarm everywhere. as far as cories and rams are conscerned, mine did well together. it was rare that the rams paid them any attention. If you do get rams, they will be most aggressive at spawning times but your cories should pick up on this.

one last thing to consider: cories are schooling fish, and emeralds are considerably larger. if you do go the schooling route, do you want that large of a bio-load in your 29g just from the cories?

 

[bogey77]

Flyfly,
Thanks for the info. I guess I'll just have to see when/if I get a pair of rams. About the cories schooling, I was under the impression that a trio would be fine for them. I don't think three 3" cories would cause any bio-load problems in my 29 gal. I hadn't planned on adding anymore emeralds or any kind of bottom feeder for that matter.

I was actually wondering if maybe the larger size of the cories might help with any ram aggression.