How many panda cories?

[lauraj]

Eventually I'd like to add some panda cories to my tank. I know the ideal would be 4-5, however, not sure if this would overstock my tank.

I'm pretty anal about checking the params frequently and have no problem with frequent water channges to keep the params in check, but how many do you think would be best for all the fish concerned?

 

[Bryon]

You could do 5 without any problems, IMO your not even close to stocked yet.

 

[lauraj]

Thanks, Bryon!

 

[FroggyFox]

Yep I agree, I think they'd be a good addition to your tank and you should have room.

 

[lauraj]

I was hoping you'd say that!!

Although, I just read a minute ago in another thread that pandas are not very hardy. Is there another cory that would be better? The only ones I'm not too crazy about are albino and green cories.

 

[FroggyFox]

Ya know...i've never had panda cories, but I have heard the same thing. The only ones I've ever had that I can't tell what they are they're either spotted cories or Julii cories...the names sometimes get mixed up, but they are the coolest little guys. I have one in my 46 right here that I've had for over 3 years Emerald cories aren't actually cories and get larger, and albino things usually creep me out so I'm with ya on those two heh I'd vote for the spotted or julii ones

 

[lauraj]

Just one more question, I promise. I also like peppered and julii cories. I think they get a little bigger than pandas, so can I still go with 5, or would that be too many of that size in my tank?

 

[FroggyFox]

Honestly didn't notice you said Panda when I read through the first time, so I was counting on a cory that stays in the 2 inch or so range...like those spotted ones If you make sure to keep up with water changes etc I think you'd still be fine with 5

 

[lauraj]

Great, thanks so much Froggy!!

 

[FroggyFox]

np anytime

 

[Bryon]

You could do 5 Peppered Cory Cats, they are IMO the hardiest Cory out there and the best.

 

[sphed]

I like albino cories, they remind me of 1 fish 2 fish from Dr. Seuss. They always sleep together right on top of each other in their small clay pot. Cute little fishies

 

[tom91970]

A Schwartz's cory looks a lot like a Panda cory; I have one with my three albino cories and it seems pretty hardy.

 

[Fuzz16]

with panda corys, because of how small they are i think a group of 6-9 would be nice. and that way you have the whole bottom of your tank covered, plus some otos you might want to add if you see fit too or like the look of them.

 

[Bryon]

with panda corys, because of how small they are i think a group of 6-9 would be nice. and that way you have the whole bottom of your tank covered, plus some otos you might want to add if you see fit too or like the look of them.

I don't know 9 is kind of pushing it, you have to remember these aren't much smaller than the Albino and Peppered Cory Cats. They still grow around 2inches. I know some sites say other wise but trust me, theres some Panda's at a LFS that are at least 2inches long.

 

[lauraj]

Thanks for all your suggestions! I'm hoping my params will be perfect by next week and then I'll see what my favorite lfs has in the way of cories!!

 

[lauraj]

Well, I felt my tank was finally ready and went to my favorite lfs. He had 5 julii cories left so I bought those, as well as 3 ottos for the brown algae starting on the glass.

 

[Big Vine]

Sounds like a nice setup...can't wait to see some pics!

BV

 

[lauraj]

Unfortunately my pictures never turn out very good...especially compared to yours, BV! I'll have to try my daughter's and see what happens.