How Many Cories For A 29 Gal?

[silverfish101]

Hello everybody. I'm new to the forums and to fishkeeping. Among my favorite fish are cories. I currently have 3 cories, a Julii (possibly false Julii), a plateus, and another one that I'm not sure about in a 29 gallon tank. So, I'm curious as to how many cories I can (and should) keep in this tank, and what I should do to keep them most comfortable and happy. I have two large rocks, a few plants, though I plan to get more, and a substrate of mixed sand and gravel.

Thanks all,
Silverfish101

 

[FishFanatic04]

Are the cories going to be the bulk of your fish? I know they like to be in groups of 6+ I have 8 right now, and everytime I add to the group they get more and more active. I want to have a least 12. I think you could have 10-12 if they are your fav. I bet you would see some really neat behavior differences.

If I'm wrong, someone will surely jump on it

Welcome to the forum, hope you like it here as much as I do!!

 

[silverfish101]

Thank you for the welcome, FishFanatic04. I would like to have the cories be a large part of the population. I have probably about twenty tetras, but they are small tetras, neons and rummies. I would love to have 10 or 12 cories, if this is indeed fine for my tank. Also, does it matter to them if they are different species?

Thanks,
Silverfish101

 

[FishFanatic04]

Everything I have learned about Cories so far says they like their own kind. But if you really wanted you could always do like 6 of one type and/or 6 of another. I wouldn't want less then 6 though. They are really more active now then when I started out with 4. I would put 12 in a 29 gallon with tetras. I think that sounds like a stunning tank with the tetras and cories I have Von Rio Tetras and Albino cories in mine and want to up the numbers of both groups.

 

[silverfish101]

So, maybe 3, 3, and 3? I like the tank so far, it really does look nice (Though it needs many more plants).

Silverfish101

 

[FishFanatic04]

I'm really trying to stick to my experience in answering you so I don't just spout off random facts. I don't know enough about cories to be able to say how they do in smaller groups. I just saw a huge difference in activity once I had hit 6+. I don't think that means they can't live happily or well in smaller numbers. I know a few people who have 10g tanks and only have 2 cories. I guess I'm not really helping after all lol

 

[silverfish101]

No, you have been very helpful, FishFanatic04. Thank you for answering. What I mean is, can different species of cories still be as happy as a colony of one species? I don't want to get six of one species and just 2 of the others if they will feel lonely.

Thanks,
Silverfish101

 

[FishFanatic04]

That's kind of what I was worried about. I think they tend to school with their own species. I get what you were saying...getting 3 of each. If people can keep 2 in a smaller tank, I don't see why you couldn't have 3-4 of each. They would be able to be in their group. I don't think the group # has anything to do with them being healthy. It's about behavior patterns and shyness.

 

[silverfish101]

Thank you for your help, FishFanatic04. I am thinking about getting 4 of each. Also, do think it would matter that my peppered (plateus) cory is almost at his full 2 1/2 inches, while the other two are about an inch or below?

Silverfish101

 

[FishFanatic04]

Don't know that one...Mine are all various sizes...but none are at their full grown size yet. Hope to see pics sometime! Thats my fav part of the forum

 

[silverfish101]

Okay. I shall attempt to get some pics up. My tank doesn't look it's best at the moment, the water is a little cloudy from medication. But, if you can forgive that I can try and get some pics up soon.

Silverfish101

 

[FishFanatic04]

 

[silverfish101]

Sorry, how do you upload photos onto this?

Silverfish101

 

[FishFanatic04]

I put mine on imageshack and then click the little photo in the reply area and paste in the link.

 

[silverfish101]

I tried uploading from imageshack, but when I tried to post it, it said "You are not allowed to use that image extension on this board." What's wrong?!


Silverfish101