What "showcase" fish would you keep with corys?

[mrsjoannh13]

So I'm currently setting up a 20g planted tank and my plan is to start with 6 sterbai corys. I'll be washing my sand this weekend and getting the hardscape and plants all set up over the next week or so and starting the cycling process.

I was thinking of getting a betta - probably a male - after the corys are settled in. I've seen some people caution against a betta with corys while others say they are suitable tank makes (possibly depending on the temperament of the betta?). So I'm conflicted. I really wanted a showcase fish in the tank - something with a wow factor like a fullmoon betta. But I want a happy harmonious tank. So I'd love some advice and input from the pros before I make a final decision.

On to part two... if I don't go with a betta, what other gorgeous fish would you recommend for a 20g with 6 sterbai corys? I was thinking of gouramis but have seen some comments about issues with incurable diseases so that is a concern.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Fish4dawin]

So I'm currently setting up a 20g planted tank and my plan is to start with 6 sterbai corys. I'll be washing my sand this weekend and getting the hardscape and plants all set up over the next week or so and starting the cycling process.

I was thinking of getting a betta - probably a male - after the corys are settled in. I've seen some people caution against a betta with corys while others say they are suitable tank makes (possibly depending on the temperament of the betta?). So I'm conflicted. I really wanted a showcase fish in the tank - something with a wow factor like a fullmoon betta. But I want a happy harmonious tank. So I'd love some advice and input from the pros before I make a final decision.

On to part two... if I don't go with a betta, what other gorgeous fish would you recommend for a 20g with 6 sterbai corys? I was thinking of gouramis but have seen some comments about issues with incurable diseases so that is a concern.

Thanks in advance!

The incurable disease is iridovirus. Dwarf gouramis pick it up more easily than any other anabantoid. Pearl or honey gouramis would be good options. I think pearl gouramis are a bit to big so honey gouramis could be a idea. Maybe 10 neon tetras? Not to sure really.

 

[Kyle E.]

IMHO I think the betta would work if that's what you want to do. Bettas are higher water level swimming fish generally and since cories stay down at the bottom mostly then they wouldn't conflict much. I keep a male betta in with a dwarf gourami, cherry barbs, and guppies in a 30g community.

Yes it does depend quite a bit on the personalities of your fish and I got quite lucky that the DG and betta aren't creating a bloodbath. .

20g is a decent sized tank, especially for a betta, so this gives more room for the fish and a less likely chance of aggression.

Another thing that helps is if you get the cories FIRST and then put the betta in after they are settled. If you put the betta in first he will see it as his territory and defend it against the cories. If you put the cories in first then the betta doesn't have any territory to defend from the cories.

 

[On_a_dishy]

I have a betta, and he is so, so placid. I tried him in the community tank yesterday, and sure enough it was him that got picked on (by a gourami) and not the other way around, so he is back in his tank. He shares it with 2 African Dwarf Frogs, and they get along just fine. He is lovely. I've just bought another one online for a different tank as my LFS only stocks the basics, so it might be worth having a look online if you're after a truly spectacular one!

 

[Kyle E.]

KGTropicals sells phenomenal bettas.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

KGTropicals sells phenomenal bettas.

I've definitely been watching their site. I love their videos and Lisa seems to take really good care of the bettas. I have several weeks before I'm ready for my fish and I am going to get the corys in their first.

 

[Gypsum]

Assuming you have soft water, because you're getting corys. If you don't, then maybe look at species suitable for hard water.

Like everyone, I too went through a phase of wanting a "centre piece" fish, but after a few months and some screw ups, I found that it's both easier and more satisfying to have a well-balanced aquarium with species that work together. I haven't gone full biotope because I lose the will to live when researching what specific fish and plants come from that Amazon drainage (I did try when I got my plecos), but my fish are vaguely in the same families as fish that would live in the same place. Corys, plecos, tetras, for the most part.

That all said, if I wanted a single brightly colored fish in a 20g with some corys, I would add a lone male apistogramma. Of any species. They're all colorful. I like them better than bettas. And they would be found in the same habitats as the corys in the wild. You do, however, need soft water.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

Assuming you have soft water, because you're getting corys. If you don't, then maybe look at species suitable for hard water.

Like everyone, I too went through a phase of wanting a "centre piece" fish, but after a few months and some screw ups, I found that it's both easier and more satisfying to have a well-balanced aquarium with species that work together. I haven't gone full biotope because I lose the will to live when researching what specific fish and plants come from that Amazon drainage (I did try when I got my plecos), but my fish are vaguely in the same families as fish that would live in the same place. Corys, plecos, tetras, for the most part.

That all said, if I wanted a single brightly colored fish in a 20g with some corys, I would add a lone male apistogramma. Of any species. They're all colorful. I like them better than bettas. And they would be found in the same habitats as the corys in the wild. You do, however, need soft water.

Thank you, Gypsum. I do indeed have soft water. I've spent time doing some research to make sure the species I'm considering should do well in my water. This hobby has been such a learning experience - I'm really enjoying it!

Appreciate the suggestion of the apistogramma. I had not considered them before so I will definitely look into them. I do love betta fish, though. I feel like I really need one in my life but I don't know if my husband will let me carve out a spot in our house for tank #3 LOL. Lots to think about but I do still have some time to decide.

Thanks!

 

[seangee]

What about a large group of small fish? Something like a group of 20 ember tetras would work really well. IMO single centrepiece fish are highly overrated and it is far more interesting to watch the interactions in a decent size shoal.

 

[Colin_T]

A 20 gallon tank is too small for pearl gouramis but would be fine with a Betta or a small species of gourami. However, as mentioned, try to avoid getting dwarf gouramis (Colisa lalius) or any of their colour forms due to them regularly having the Gourami Iridovirus.

Corydoras sterbai might like a bit more room than a 20 gallon tank.

--------------------

I have a betta, and he is so, so placid. I tried him in the community tank yesterday, and sure enough it was him that got picked on (by a gourami) and not the other way around, so he is back in his tank. He shares it with 2 African Dwarf Frogs, and they get along just fine. He is lovely. I've just bought another one online for a different tank as my LFS only stocks the basics, so it might be worth having a look online if you're after a truly spectacular one!

Bettas and gouramis are labyrinth fishes and should not be kept together because they are highly territorial towards other labyrinth fishes and will often fight to the death.

Frogs should be kept in their own tank just in case the fish get sick. The medications used to treat fish will usually kill the frogs. Having frogs in their own tank means they won't be exposed to fish diseases or medications.

 

[mcordelia]

I used to have a betta in a 55g community. It featured zebra danios, a plec, a red male betta, bronze and panda(? don't remember anymore haha) Cories, and maybe something else too, it was 15+ years ago. Anyway, the betta was fine and happy, and never went to the bottom so probably didn't even know the cories existed

With regard to your tank, I would also consider viewing distance. If this tank is going to be sitting on your desk next to your computer, you will be up close and personal with your fish, and cories + betta will be lovely because you will see a ton of detail. If, on the other hand it will be across the room and you will be viewing it from afar, then O would go for a school of colorful fish for more intrigue. My betta used to mostly chill in place so unless you stood at the tank you couldn't see him (even from the couch he might as well just have been a plastic decoration swaying in the current), but up close you could see all his bubble nest behaviors etc. The danio's were much cooler viewed from the couch because they provided motion and activity to the tank, but we're annoying to watch up close because they moved so much that it was kind of hard to follow them with your eyes if you were right in front of the tank.

Just some food for thought