Pygmy Corys - In Community Tank

[Kariann]

Would it be OK to add some pygmy corys? If so how many?

48lt Aquarium W=42cm D=36cm H=41cm

Thanks,

 

[Kets]

They wouldn't do well with the gourami.

 

[Kariann]

Oh, OK that's a bit of a bummer, because I asked for advice on stocking in the newbies section and that's what they cam up with. So does that mean no corys?

 

[Kets]

While it would be possible to have larger cories and not cause aggression, the tank would be overstocked. I'd say to wait for an upgrade to a 20g first.

 

[pippoodle]

pygmaeus corys would be fine in that tank with the dwarf gourami's and the platys
though if you are getting platys get all male or all female as they will breed and very quickly take over the tank
60+ fry every 4 weeks

you could keep the a trio of dwarves 1m and 2 females happily with 10 -12 pygmy corys in that tank without any platys
the trio of gouramis will be better than a pair as the male will be less agressive than with 1 female alone

if you didnt want pygmaeus you could have habrosus or hastatus corys - which are also small

make sure the tank is planted and also have some floating plants for the gouramis as they love them - a sand or fine gravel substrate is essential for the corys

 

[Kariann]

OK. The gouramis are fine with the platys tho. But if you really think its a bad idea, then guess I'll have to re-think

 

[pippoodle]

OK. The gouramis are fine with the platys tho. But if you really think its a bad idea, then guess I'll have to re-think

they would be ok but like i said you would soon be over run with fry and IME the lfs dont want the fry until they are about 8-10 weeks old by then you could have well over 100 fry in the tank

 

[Kariann]

Thanks pippoodle, that's a relief. I already have the platys and really like them so they're staying. I have some broad leaf silk plants (for gourami to hide in), some taller plastic ones and a large rock/cave thing, which I thought the gourami might like (the type that can be used in bi-orb to cover filter). I was thinking of getting a real floating plant to finish it off.

by the way, don't worry I made sure I only have male platys, specifically because it's a small tank and I don't want to breed/be over-run.

PS: should I get another female gourami then?

 

[pippoodle]

yes definately go for 1 more female and see how you go if you go ok then maybe add 6 of the small corys in a couple of months
good luck hun

 

[Kariann]

Thanks pippoodle, you've been a great help . I'll get another female gourami then and wait a little while for the corys. I'm thinking pygmies or pandas.

 

[pippoodle]

Thanks pippoodle, you've been a great help . I'll get another female gourami then and wait a little while for the corys. I'm thinking pygmies or pandas.

pygmys are a bit hardier than pandas just do a little more reading on both sorts before you finally make up your mind , you'll fall in love with which ever type you get

sarah x

 

[Kariann]

Thanks Sarah. I think if I'm honest I've really set my heart on the pygmys, so tiny and cute and will look lovely in tank against the dark greem gravel. Don't worry I bought it with them in mind and was assured that it was fine for them it's quartz I think.