[SalamanderBHat]

Alright everyone, so here's the scoop.

Right now I have a 20 gal long tank stocked with my chosen cycling fish; four regular Zebra Danios. So far they've all survived for a little more then a week without any obvious problems. As far as I can tell, at the moment they are all perfectly happy and acting as I imagine Zebra's should, energetic, curious, and playful.

As soon as I deem the tank successfully cycled I plan on adding a second species. Surfing the web, I've decided that I think a Corydoras Catfish would be a positive addition to my tank. But before I even think about going about this, I have a few questions I'd love if someone could answer.

1.) Are Cory cat's a species that would require a large amount of the same species to be kept content? Seeing as I only have a 20 gal, I planned on keeping a maximum of two. Would this be alright, or is this too few?

2.) With four Zebra's, would it be likely that any Cory's put into the tank may be harassed by my speedy little beginning fish? Since they were there first, I'm almost afraid they'll become territorial, especially the one I named Alpha. She's not aggressive, she chases, but never nips. She simply enjoys her space.

3.) I've read that Cory's like sinking pellets. Since I am currently feeding my Zebras small amounts of flake twice a day six days a week, how often would I be offering a Cory cat some sinking pellets?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Like I mentioned, I still have some time before it's right to add a few more fish, but I figured there would be no harm in curing my curiosity's early.

 

[djembekah]

yeah you definitely have a while before you can add them, as cories need a stable tank, but your questions are good!

1) Cories do need a good sized shoal to be happy. I would not do less than four, and depending on the species, six would do very well i your tank. I have 9 in my 29, and they are the happiest little guys! Lots of fun to watch

2) I'd honestly double your shoal of zebras, or at least add two more. Zebra danios are another fish that like a good size shoal The more the merrier, and with enough to be happy, they shouldn't bug anyone but their own species.

3) Depends on the pellets really. If they're larger wafers i'd only do a couple a day. if they're tiny, do three or four, five if you've got more cories, like once a day.

Cories are a lot of fun. What do you have for substrate? Cories appreciate sand, and if they are a smaller species, like pygmies, or even pandas, they'll really need it to be happy and healthy. Bronze cories and bigger would probably be okay on small smooth gravel, but I think my bronze cories LOVE the sand I have. They're always rifling it around looking for food

 

[SalamanderBHat]

1) Cories do need a good sized shoal to be happy. I would not do less than four, and depending on the species, six would do very well i your tank. I have 9 in my 29, and they are the happiest little guys! Lots of fun to watch

I think it'd be entertaining to watch a group of Cories shuffle around the tank! Lol. However, if I added say 6 of them to my tank plus my Zebras, would I have already hit my limit? Or could I add perhaps one more species of smaller fish, like Neon Tetras? I'd prefer to have a little more color then just gray and stripes as funny to watch as they may be. :lol:

2) I'd honestly double your shoal of zebras, or at least add two more. Zebra danios are another fish that like a good size shoal The more the merrier, and with enough to be happy, they shouldn't bug anyone but their own species.

I was eventually planning on throwing in a couple more Zebras. However when I got the ones I have the store didn't have anymore (at least any that were active) so I just settled for four. Once the tank's done cycling, I'll push another two into their little group. ;-)

Cories are a lot of fun. What do you have for substrate? Cories appreciate sand, and if they are a smaller species, like pygmies, or even pandas, they'll really need it to be happy and healthy. Bronze cories and bigger would probably be okay on small smooth gravel, but I think my bronze cories LOVE the sand I have. They're always rifling it around looking for food

I would have really loved sand, unfortunately I got my tank and the majority of the supplies used, so I've got a tiny pebbles for substrate. Should I simply forgot about getting Cories and instead choose another kind of catfish (I love catfish after all) and if so, what other kinds of catfish would you recommend?

 

[djembekah]

What filter do you have? Are you going to do live plants? They have a lot to do with what all you can put into your tank.

Also, do you want another fish in your tank, aside from your shoals?

I think you'll be fine with gravel and cories. Just keep an eye on them
Other catfish? Hm...you might be able to do one bristlenose or clown pleco. They stay small, and would do well in your 20 gallon i think. They DO need driftwood though. It's an important part of their diet.

Other catfish besides cories and plecos, i dont know too much about. Otocinclus might be a choice, and i know Olympia has a farlowella in her 20 gallon.

 

[Byron]

SalamanderBHat, welcome to Tropical Fish Keeping forum.:-D

I agree on what's been said about corys, and the danio. Neons are probably not a good option, the danio are fast swimmers and neons are more sedate cruisers, and such fish can be intimidated by continual movement around them. But as this is only a 20g long, I would increase the danio and stay with them [plus the group of corys, or other substrate fish]. A group of 7-8 would be nice.

You can also browse our profiles for other suitable catfish, and perhaps find out more about the fish you have. Second tab from the left in the blue bar across the top of the page takes you to the fish and plant profiles.

Byron.