how many corys in a 20 long?

[ColleenT]

i tried doing a search but was confused by so many differing opinions. is there a mathematical way to determine how many corys can live happily in a tank that is 30x12x12? i do have other fish at other levels. Am curious what is safe to do. Thanks. Colleen

[jp11biod]

I have a group of 8 adult C sterbai doing just fine and breeding regularly in a 20 long. It could handle a couple more I would think

[ColleenT]

thank you!

[Karsten S.]

Hi,

it depends a lot on the specific corydoras species, there are some really small species like C. hastatus with not much more than 3 cm and huge species like C. pantanalensis with around 10 cm. Which species are you thinking of ?

For C. sterbai a 20" tank is IMHO too small. Even 30" is on the lower end, my largest specimen of C. sterbai measure 8 cm or even a bit more.

Cheers,

[ColleenT]

well probably paleatus, panda, or Schwartzi.

[Coryman]

Most of my breeding groups of Cory's are in tanks that measure 18"long x 12" wide x 10" high. These are mostly in groups of 6 or 7.

Personally I would say that your tank is easily capable of housing a dozen of either of your preferred specie, but the stocking levels of your other fish will obviously play a part.

Ian

[ColleenT]

thank you. i have a handfull of neons, glowlights and 3 guppies. i think for now maybe i'll stick to 8 cories.

[MChambers]

Pandas tend to be a little smaller, so you might be able to have 10 or so of them. I've found that it's not easy to have a clear rule on the number of corydoras in a tank. If you do frequent water changes and have unthreatening companions like the fish you have, you can fit quite a few into a 20L, in most cases.

I've got 6 green lasers and 8 pandas in a 20L right now, with the only other animals being red cherry shrimp.

[ColleenT]

i have a python-type water changer, so it's not too bad doing water changes. i guess i will see how it goes. they don't look too crowded, for now. thanks everyone. i appreciate the help.