How Much Do You Count Them In Your Bioload

[fishwatcher]

Just wondering, I see a lot of folks with LOTS of cories, and I just wonder how much you count them in your bioload, if at all. A lady at the lfs told me once that since they're bottom-feeders, you don't have to really count them all that much. Just wondering what everyone here thinks...

 

[fishwatcher]

anyone? I see readers but no one's answering... are y'all afraid to answer for fear of getting flamed or is it just a stupid question?

 

[ulster exile]

Not much experience myself, but if they poop I'd say they contribute to the bioload. Just cos they're so called 'bottom feeders' doesn't make them the clean up crew as they do need a varied diet themselves and they shouldn't just be left to feed off everyone else's leavings.

What I think I'm trying to say is they contribute to the bioload the same as other fish.

However, if I'm wrong, I'm sure somebody will soon correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[dwarfgourami]

kilultagh has already said it. Bioload=ammonia=poop and breathing. Corys both poop and breathe, so they count as other fish as far as bioload goes. There are other calculations you have to make when setting up a tank too- such as swimming space- and that's where you might not count the corys if your other fish are all top and middle dwellers. But for the bioload they definitely count.

 

[fishwatcher]

I agree, I think they count. But, as I said, I've noticed folks pictures with lots of cories and I didn't know if they actually were counting them or not, since the tank was probably full just from them, kwim?

 

[black angel]

I give mine a gallon each.

 

[BWBettas]

You shouldnt go by amount of water. But surface area for the fish to swim on. As i would definately not have 30 cories in my 30 gallon tank lol

Bret