[yellowbrickroad]

Quick setup question. I'm currently cycling my first aquarium (20g long) and want to set it up for a group of 6 corydoras aeneus, either bronze or albino variety I've not decided yet. I've read that they need places to shelter; will they be happy to shelter between plants or do they like to have a cave of some sort? Given that I'm limited on space I don't want to add something unnecessary. Thanks

 

[fashionfobie]

They will definitely thrive in a planted tank. I would give them something to hide in as well. Even a few bricks or slate that you can lean against a surface would be great. I keep some red bricks stacked in a scattered pattern and they hang out in the 'cory cave' during most of the day. They are primarily nocturnal so they enjoy hiding away a bit during the daytime.

 

[yellowbrickroad]

Thanks I've seen a cave that looks like a big pebble but I wasn't sure if they'd go in a smallish hole to get inside. I'll keep looking but will definitely get them a hideout then

 

[Byron]

A chunk of bogwood would be ideal, since it is part of their natural habitat. The Malaysian Driftwood that is available in many stores works well, as it is often full of tunnels and crevices. It comes in varying sizes, and you could have two smallish pieces.

Byron.

 

[fashionfobie]

Thanks Byron. I forgot to mention that! I do have bogwood with mine too. It slipped my mind.

 

[Thoth]

I would suggest that you leave at least 20% open area for them to swim around in. In my 20 gallon longs I like to place a hiding space on one side and the open swimming space ( minus a few plants) on the other. By feeding in the open space, you can train the Cories to come out into the open when you come around.

 

[yellowbrickroad]

Thanks, do you mean bogwood as well as a hiding place? I've got a small piece in there at the moment, I'm thinking of either getting a piece of slate to rest against it to make a hideout or I've seen a half coconut shell covered in moss that might work. Leaving 20% free space sounds like a good plan, most of the caves I've looked at would take up too much space I think.

 

[fashionfobie]

I think that sounds like a great idea! You should also go with what you like best too, as long as the fish get what they need.

 

[Byron]

It is a minor point, but I always prefer decor that is natural for the fish species. So in tanks with corys I use only wood (and plants) because all SA streams have lots of sunken wood branches and logs. Leaf litter is also useful.

Leaving the open space is important as Thoth noted. Always feeding the fish in the same area soon gets them used to it, and is a good way to observe all of them during feeding.

Byron.