Panda Cory Tank -- How Many

[dcompt]

I have a new 20 gallon tank that I am cycling now. I am planning on making it an all panda cory tank. I have 5 at present (waiting in another tank until their new private estate is ready). It is the shallow, long type 20 gallon -- 30"x12"x12". What size school would you knowledgeable panda keepers recommend? I want them to have friends, but also to have plenty of "floor space" and not be crowded -- if cories ever feel crowded considering how they way they pile up!

 

[raeburter]

I say 8-10

 

[Inchworm]

Hi dcompt

Welcome to the forum!

A 20 gallon long is a good size for a panda community. I have mine in the same and they are doing well.

The number of pandas you can keep depends on the amount of nitrates in your tap water and the time you want to spend doing water changes. While this is true for all corys, I've found keeping the nitrates low is especially important for them since they seem to be more delicate than many of the other corys usually found at lfs.

Under ideal circumstances, I would say you could probably keep a dozen or more in there, and a few of the dwarf corys too. Just add them slowly and watch your nitrate level.

While you're new to the forum, you're not new to keeping fish, so I suspect you know about transferring beneficial bacteria on the filter media, etc. Please be sure to start out with enough to avoid the pandas having to go through any of the cycling process They are not apt to take it well.

I hope you stay around and share your experiences with us.

 

[cleekdaFish]

wow u have a panda tank! i have only 1 and its the cutest lil thing