cory question

[harrellmoney]

I've been looking at cory's and read there are 180 species. I've also read a post, on AC, that said you can't have 2-3 of a few different species and expect them to school. DANG! I'm working on a 90 gal. and would like to know how many cory's would be comfortable and thrive in this space? This is to allow me to figure how many more types of fish I can add at the other levels. Thanks.

[fishmommie]

In a 90 gallon you could easily have 2 cory schools of 8 - 10 per school.
or if it's cory's you like, you could have 3 schools and cut back on your other stock.
check out http://www.aqadvisor.com/ to help you decide what fish and how many depending on your tank size and filtration. it's not the be all and end all but does provide a nice guide.

One other note - how are you cycling your tank? with fish or without? if cycling with fish, your bottom dwellers should not be added to the tank until after it's fully cycled as the bulk of the toxins settle at the bottom during the cycling process.

[steeler58]

+ 1 to FM on two schools of Cory. Your tank is certainly big enough to accomidate at least 20.

If your tank is cycled as she mentioned I would try to get something different like; Adolfo's catfish, (Corydoras adolfoi), False adolfoi cory (Corydoras duplicareus), or the Violet cory (Corydoras similis).

There are many species like you said but most dealers only carry a few.

[talldutchie]

Or do one species in serious numbers. I can just imagine 40 pygmy cories in a group.

Oh, and cories really do prefer sand on the bottom.

[Amelia]

False Julii Cories (corydoras trilineatus) are my favourite. 10 or so of these + 10 of another nice type would look lovely. I also really like plain old Bronze Cories!

[harrellmoney]

Or do one species in serious numbers. I can just imagine 40 pygmy cories in a group.

Oh, and cories really do prefer sand on the bottom.

Yeah, I think I'm changing my mind and gonna go with sand instead of gravel

[Triton]

much better choice, plus you typically can get sand cheaper too

[harrellmoney]

False Julii Cories (corydoras trilineatus) are my favourite. 10 or so of these + 10 of another nice type would look lovely. I also really like plain old Bronze Cories!

I'm kinda looking at 3 types....The Sterba Cory (corydoras sterbai).the Gold and Green Cory (corydoras melanotaenia), and the corydoras virginiae because of it's bluish color (If they can be found )

[gronlaura]

Sounds great!

Check out Quikrete Commercial Grade Medium Sand at Home Depot. $4.27 for a 50 lb bag. It's washed and doesn't have to be rinsed. It's a very light color, almost white sand - I have it in my 75 gal.

[steeler58]

I'm kinda looking at 3 types....The Sterba Cory (corydoras sterbai).the Gold and Green Cory (corydoras melanotaenia), and the corydoras virginiae because of it's bluish color (If they can be found )

Green and gold cory's are very hardy and like their water a little cooler. I like them more than the Bronze which they resemble. I too like the corydoras virginiae, just don't see them enough.