Cory Decision

[BettaBoysGirl]

Im needed a bit of advice, as i cant make up my mind. I have a 15gallon Tall aquarium That is currently cycling. Using a stocking calculator and such, ive determined i can have either 6 pygmy Cories or 3 panda cories. Now, your thinking, ohh easy decision, go with the 6. Heres where i have a problem... Its already furnished with normal aquarium gravel, such as you would buy at walmart or petsmart. So... Would which option would you pick?

 

[lilacamy931]

Sand is usually optimum and if wanted to could change over with cheap play sand. others have kept pygmies on gravel fairly successfully. It would proably be best to see how they go, I would personally change over as just realised normal aquarium gravel - is it fairly rounded or sharpish?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi BettaBoysGirl

What other fish do you plan to keep with them and at what temperature?

If you want to keep corys, give some serious thought to changing to play sand. The coarse gravel is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and, since they live on the bottom, corys are more likely to suffer from problems caused by it.

 

[BettaBoysGirl]

Sand is usually optimum and if wanted to could change over with cheap play sand. others have kept pygmies on gravel fairly successfully. It would proably be best to see how they go, I would personally change over as just realised normal aquarium gravel - is it fairly rounded or sharpish?

Its in between really. Some pieces are pointy but not sharp, some are round. And I forgot to mention I won't be changing the gravel. I don't care much for sand, also, I know sand would mean buying a more powerful hob filter, something I'm not going to do this far in my cycle.

Sand is usually optimum and if wanted to could change over with cheap play sand. others have kept pygmies on gravel fairly successfully. It would proably be best to see how they go, I would personally change over as just realised normal aquarium gravel - is it fairly rounded or sharpish?

Its in between really. Some pieces are pointy but not sharp, some are round. And I forgot to mention I won't be changing the gravel. I don't care much for sand, also, I know sand would mean buying a more powerful hob filter, something I'm not going to do this far in my cycle.

The only other kind of fish going to be in there are zebra danios. So its a tropical tank. I was going to aim for 76-78F. But willing to toy with to find a happy median

 

[NinjaSmurf]

Wait, why would having sand make you need a more powerful Hob?

 

[BettaBoysGirl]

Wait, why would having sand make you need a more powerful Hob?

I've always been told that when you have sand, any fitler you choose, needs to be 2 to 3 times more cycling power then what you actual need to the possiblity of sand clogging it up. Its pretty much why ive stayed away from it. I could have been given bad advice, but thats what i got on this forum

 

[Ethan040]

Ive always used sand its the best for corys i think and looks 10x better than gravel and ive never heard of using a higher powered filter ive always used the filter suited to my tank size or higher just so its better for my fish.

 

[BettaBoysGirl]

I understand that sand would be better, but as i mentioned I dont really want it in my tank. I spent a month designing this tank and sand would not go with it. Plus, i already of plants that have their roots, entangled in the gravel. So... Keeping in mind im not going to switch to sand, im staying with my gravel. What would you reccommend? The Panda Cories, or the Pygmys? I came here for help. not to be told to change my tank.

 

[mattlee]

if you have pointy bits of gravel then forget about corys..... it will damage their barbels and can lead to infection, its just not fair on the corys!
people are advising you to add sand, you dont need more powerfull filters just have the inlet a couple of inches above the sand and you will be fine.
it sounds like you planned the tank for a month without your stocking in mind.....!

 

[razer121]

ive a filter that sits 1inch aboth the sand and has never cloged up once.....the sand has to be thrown around the tank for it to really get into your filter, as long as its cleaned before you add it this should not be a problem....

 

[BettaBoysGirl]

if you have pointy bits of gravel then forget about corys..... it will damage their barbels and can lead to infection, its just not fair on the corys!
people are advising you to add sand, you dont need more powerfull filters just have the inlet a couple of inches above the sand and you will be fine.
it sounds like you planned the tank for a month without your stocking in mind.....!

I did have some stocking in mind. I built this tank around zebra danios. Ill admit the corys are an after thought.
However, I came here for advice on two species, not to lectured into changing to sand, despite telling everyone twice I'm not going to. And definitely not to be blasted for "not having stock in mind." This is why I was hesitant to even ask. Forget I even asked. I will go with what I want since no one really seems to want to help, and seems to only just attack me for my choice. So, don't bother answering anymore, as I shall be leaving this forum for good.

 

[Harlequins]

I originally had gravel,but changed it to sand when i decided to get cories.

Peeps are only giving their advice on what cories prefer and are better with for their health in the long run.

I don't see anyone telling you what to do,its your choice,but be aware that cories can pick up infections and be harmed in using gravel.

Good luck with your tank

 

[mattlee]

if you have pointy bits of gravel then forget about corys..... it will damage their barbels and can lead to infection, its just not fair on the corys!
people are advising you to add sand, you dont need more powerfull filters just have the inlet a couple of inches above the sand and you will be fine.
it sounds like you planned the tank for a month without your stocking in mind.....!

I did have some stocking in mind. I built this tank around zebra danios. Ill admit the corys are an after thought.
However, I came here for advice on two species, not to lectured into changing to sand, despite telling everyone twice I'm not going to. And definitely not to be blasted for "not having stock in mind." This is why I was hesitant to even ask. Forget I even asked. I will go with what I want since no one really seems to want to help, and seems to only just attack me for my choice. So, don't bother answering anymore, as I shall be leaving this forum for good.

nobody has "blasted" you just given their thoughts which is what a forum is all about isnt it.....? corys prefer sand end of and if you dont use sand then you are running the risk of injuring the fish and causing infections etc etc due to bacteria in/on the gravel. so the choice of corys really is none! especially if you have "pointy" gravel as you said.
never be hesitant to ask anything on here as everyone is here to throw in their 2 pennies worth and hopefully come to a suitable answer to your thoughts. people were trying to help on your choice of corys, pandas or pygmys, and the choice really is down to you at the end of the day but personally myself and everyone else who has replied recommends sand for corys so maybe you should look at another species instead! but most bottom feeders prefer sand for the same reason.
its a shame that you wont/cant take the advice and are leaving the forum as you will in time learn many many good things on here as i have.

 

[crazychris]

Corys don't necessarily need sand though. I've kept fish years and always kept cories on ordinary round gravel. They've always lived years and not succumbed to any barbel bacterial infections. They won't if you hoover the gravel regularly with water changes.

 

[Peggers]

To answer your actual question I'd say the 6 pygmies because cories are more active in a bigger group.