Would Love Some Help Choosing Bottom Feeders To Dwell With My Black Wi

[Teacup]

Hi!  I am wondering about a "good fit" regarding bottom feeders with eight black widow tetras.  We would like to add about six to ten of one
kind of bottom feeder (because it seems many like to be in groups!). So far, we are leaning towards yoyo loaches, kuhli loaches, or some type of corydoras. Anyone have any experience with black widow tetras regarding behaviour with any of these types of bottom feeders? Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks

 

 

[leighton_87]

What size is your tank? Do you have anything but the tetras on there? What substrate do you have?

 

[Teacup]

We have a 55 gallon and we only have the tetras as of now. I'm not sure about the type of substrate we have in there, but it is made up of small pebbles, perhaps half a centimeter, give or take, per pebble. I have avoided getting any tankmates as they are happy as can be alone and I would hate to disrupt that. I have been on the fence regarding adding bottom feeders for awhile.

 

[geordieelvis]

Panda Cories are great, but I would check with others on here regarding substrate as im sure they prefer sand to gravel.

 

[TropicanaFish]

I have a couple plecos. They are great cleaners. And there are several different kinds to choose from. Some of my favorites are the albino bristle nose Pleco. They are mostly bottom dwellers but they will also clean the glass and other decor you might have in your tank. I have the same sized tank you have and I have two living in there fine together.

 

[Teacup]

Thanks all - I love the idea of corydoras or yo yo loaches. After looking around the lfs, I have to say that plecos look like fun little guys! My biggest concern now is that, based on various websites, it seems that all of these guys do better with sand. Where we have pebble-like gravel (though not sharp or harsh), I am wondering if maybe we should not add any bottom dwellers? The idea of removing all of the substrate and then adding sand just seems like an overly stressful experience for the tetras...thoughts?

 

[TropicanaFish]

Well I don't think it's a huge deal. I'm glad you like the little guys. The 2 I have are thriving in my tank and I have gravel so I don't see any harm in it. Even though they may prefer sand they can be fine in gravel.

 

[Ruskull]

Corries can thrive with rounded type gravel, it's all about the consistency I tell ya!

 

[Teacup]

Great, thanks! I am strongly leaning toward the cories - loving the pleco...but still going to research a little more on yoyos before making my final decision!

 

[the_lock_man]

Cories are best off with a sand substrate, as they like to snuffle around in it for food. They are also ok with round-edged gravel. However, gravel with sharp edges can wear away their barbels.

 

[TallTree01]

You could get all 3 if you like!
This is what I'd do:
1 bristlenose
7 panda cories
3 yoyo loaches.
8 tetras

 

[Teacup]

You could get all 3 if you like!
This is what I'd do:
1 bristlenose
7 panda cories
3 yoyo loaches.
8 tetras

Well, now that is one way to solve my dilemma! I like the way you think!

 

[TallTree01]

Hehehe
I like the way i Think too
Always room for another fish....

 

[Teacup]

Okay, this might sound like a silly question, but in my world, it feels like a sensible question! For now, I have decided to introduce one bristlenose pleco and about seven (or more) corydoras (leaning toward peppered or panda). I will use my 10g for quarantine purposes. My question is this: based on your observations/experience, is it best to add one before the other (i.e. add the pleco first, then the cories, or vice-versa?). I only ask because , where they will be sharing the bottom for at least the most part, I'm wondering if (behaviour-wise) the pleco is best introduced first to avoid/reduce the chance of bullying from the cories once they come into the tank (again, or vice-versa!). Whomever I add first will be in there for at least 2 weeks (maybe a month)with my black widow tetras before adding the other (due to quarantine time). Am I over thinking?!!

 

[Teacup]

Sad news: the lfs had a bunch of fish come in....all fish made it (i.e. lived), except for the cories...this whole shipping thing makes me feel horrible...I wish someone sold them locally