How Many Corydoras In A 3 Ft Tank ?

[Griz]

I've decided to add corydoras to my tank and would like to know how many I can keep. I don't know what species, it will depend on what is available to me (nearest good LFS is 60 miles away) so figure on an average sized species, 2-2 1/2 inches. I've kept several different species of corys in the past but never more than a group of 4. This time I want as large a group as nossible. They will have the entire bottom of the tank to themselves.

The tank is 33 gal (36x12x18) sand substrate, moderately planted and lots of wood. Current residents are 15 cardinal tetras, 6 rummynose tetras, 3 marbled hatchetfish, 1 otto and 1 beckfords pencilfish. This tank has been running for over 3 years, is over filtered if anything and gets regular maintainence. After the corys, I have no plans to add any more fish to this tank.

 

[fishkers]

A 33 Gal. tank is pretty big and it sounds like you maintain it well. Personally I love the Panda Cory's they will get usually a max of 2 inches but most i've ever seen to be like 1 to 1.5 inches. You could probably get about 6 of them in your tank. They also love to school together so they are neat to watch. You probably can get just about any cory and get 6 in your tank. The bronze or emerald cory's can get a little bigger they are normally like 2.5 inches. So just check them out at your lfs.


Oh, I almost forgot, Panda Cory's are great but they can be a little sensetive to getting sick. They adjust nicely though and it seems like your experienced so you would be fine getting them.

 

[*Fishkies*]

Pinned Topic


The link above will give you your cory cats to choose from. Then you can go from there to see what kinds you may like to have in your tank. So it says you have 26 fish in your tank already and usually it's one inch of fish per gallon. So I would say maybe four. Because you do not want to really overstock your tank.



**sorry technical glitch for the link**

 

[Bozza]

Just for the record. That link has no corys mentioned in it at all. Griz its all up to u wat type of cory your after. I think about 6 would be nice and since your tank is quite big you wouldnt have to worry about the size they get too. Aractus (skunks) are nice in large groups. U could get brochis, which are a bigger version of corys.

 

[*Fishkies*]

Link above has been edited.

 

[NEONCORY]

Pinned Topic
So it says you have 26 fish in your tank already and usually it's one inch of fish per gallon. So I would say maybe four. Because you do not want to really overstock your tank.

Hi Griz, I must say I have to agree with Fishkies about your stocking level. 26 fish of 1"+ fish must be close to full stock. I know you can get away little more than 1" per gallon rule with good water maintanence like frequent water change and high rated filter(s). However, if you have any power outage or something, you would be in a trouble really quick since most of the filter if not all is run by the electricity.
Not long ago here in Seattle people experienced the black out because of the stormy weather knocked down the power line and some people didn't have power for up to week or so. Fortunately the area I am in never lost power. But lots of people lost many fish because of the filter and heater had no power. I know it doesn't happen all the time but it maybe something to think about before puting more fish.
If you are planning to add more to fish, I may consider the smaller size Corys like pigmaeus, hastutas or habrosus if I were you. Of course, it would be good if you study their preference of water parameter like temperature,ph and hardness before you go to store. Not all the corys prefer same condition. Although most would do ok with typical community setting of 6.8~7.2 ph, 70~75F and 0~10 gh. But for example, I find my Pandas do much better with 68~72F with pretty good water current, also my Sterbais at 78~82F. They would live long happy and healthy with their optimal water condition.
So I would strongly suggest you to have the certain Cory(s) that fit well your tank condition before you go to store instead of buying whatever the store have at the time. I know your store is far and all but I'm sure you want to have your new corys for long time. I think little time spend to research before you go to store would be better for you and fish. Also, almost all the Corys do better in group of 6 or more and 4 is like least minimum. That is another reason, I suggest the miniture corys.
Anyway, good luck. I hope you'll think about what I mentioned.

 

[newtotropical]

Hi I have 6 C.Julli in my overfiltered 3' tank & they are just fine. Great fish!!!!

 

[Griz]

Thank you for the replies!

I was thinking that 6 would be a good number so I'll go with that, I'll avoid the slightly larger species and go with something that tops out around 2". There is a very good LFS about 60 miles from me that I generally deal with and they should have several species to choose from.

For the record, I reject the "1 inch per gallon thingy". Although it may be a good starting point, it's a number that doesn't take into account variables like territories, tank size, filtration, planted tanks, etc. Sometimes 1" is way too much and sometimes one can go over it. Given the stocking I have, I feel pretty confident about going a bit over that number and will be making larger water changes every week to account for the additional fish. (This tank has not had a nitrate reading over 30 in a couple years now) I have an idle Aquaclear mini which I think I will add to this tank. May as well play it safe since it's just sitting around anyway. Also, I have a generator for the house (I live in a snow-belt area) so I'm not worried about power outages.

Thanks again! It may be a while before I get to make the trip. The weather is terrible right now and is supposed to stay that way for a while but I'll post back and let you know what I end up with. I'd be pleased to hear more advice on the subject.

 

[Griz]

deleted double post

 

[Griz]

One more question... what are some commonly found, smaller (2" or so) corys that would do well in a temperature of 76-78F ? I'm trying to make a short list of species to look for when I make the trip. I'm more concerned about them being happy, than their appearance. I'm sure I'll get to love them no matter what they look like.

 

[Bozza]

I dont really know wat 76-78F in celious is and cant be bothered to work it out. The most common are bronze, albino, pepper. But they grow abit over 2". I think u could try panda, julii (trilli). I wouldnt go for pandas because they are quite sensitive. The trip home would make it worse for them and you may lose a few. Most corys get to around 2.5" (i think) unless you go for the pygmy corys which would be to small to have in your tank. Hope watever i just said helped.


Torrens

 

[Griz]

Thanks Bozza. I should have given Celcius too. That would be 24.5 to 25.5C
Been doing some research and it seems that most should be fine in that temperature range. For some reason I had thought that many liked cooler temps.

 

[Bozza]

Only panda prefer cooler temps. When breeding they like having cool water put in, help replecate the flood rains in the wild. Sterbai can survive in temps of 28c but most like it around 25/26c

 

[Sibelius]

Sterbai and panda are small and sensetive (and expensive) but I don't see why the pygmy species are too small for your tank. Consider 8-10 of: Pygmaeus (which are midwater), Hastatus, or Habrosus.

 

[ghent_3rd]

I have a slightly bigger tank than yours, 40 UK gallon, 180 litres and currently have 7 pandas and 3 bronze corys in there. I agree about the 1" rule, it is a load of rubbish for experienced keepers although a good start for newbies. I have a Fluval internal turning over 400l/p/h plus the existing Rio filter so I figure I can keep more. Also on the bottom of the tank are 2 L-number plecs, 1 BN, 1 hoplo cat and they are all getting along fine. With the correct maintenance,filtration and compatability you can keep a good amount of fish. I also have a hell of lot of bogwood for hiding places!!!