The hollow ceramic biomedia as fry protection is a genius move! I'll definately give it a go. I have plenty of hygrophila stricta and java fern. Would those work? Does anyone know where to acquire good stock?

I would like advice from members who have or has had c.habrosus in the past. As the title states I'd like to setup a 20gal long and would like to know some basics like...
1. How many would be the optimal amount for a 20long? (Footprint is 12"×30")
2. Optimal water parameters. Ph? Temp? Gh/kh ...

Pandas are by far my favorite cory as well. As already mentioned,there is nothing carved in stone. Some corys will readily spawn at the drop of a hat and others have to be "persuaded" sounds like your doing something right!
Congrats and goodluck.