Tank Size for 20-24 Cory Cats?

[Sarjo Pepper]

I'm thinking of starting a tank in the future after college. I like the idea of having a cory cat only tank. It would have a ramped shelf to increase the surface area and also get some of the corys to inhabit the mid level of the tank. Assuming java moss/fern will be the only plants in the tank, and some cory cave/tunnel/hides and decor, how large of a tank would I need? I'd like to have pandas, albinos, false juliis and peppers, 5-6 per species, so 20-24 total. What would be the minimum and what would be preferred size?

 

[Pseudomugil]

You could probably fit 5 of each in a 55 long.

 

[Nils]

Hey there! Welcome to the forum!

First off, cory cats are schooling fish, therefore needing a large group. If I were you, I would go with a tank with a large footprint, like a 55 gallon long, and do 2 big groups of 2 species. Just pick your favorite and get 10-12 of those 2 species. The more you put in their group, the more safe they will feel. Also, a bigger group of cory's is stunning, look up some videos!

 

[sinibotia]

A 40 breeder would probably be the best size. It's actually got slightly more footprint than a 55 gallon and it's shorter so the corydoras have more access to the surface and there's less "empty" middle space since the tank will be all corydoras.

 

[Sarjo Pepper]

So the consensus so far is between 40-55 gal. Cool. I mentioned adding a ramp and shelf to the middle of the tank, which would hold the same substrate as the bottom. Should I not even bother? Would the cats not care and just ignore it?

It would look like this. I just made this in MS word.

 

[Nils]

So the consensus so far is between 40-55 gal. Cool. I mentioned adding a ramp and shelf to the middle of the tank, which would hold the same substrate as the bottom. Should I not even bother? Would the cats not care and just ignore it?

It would look like this. I just made this in MS word.
View attachment 280850

I wouldn't bother with that. Just takes up space and the fish won't have any real use for it.

I do agree with Sini on using a 40b, has a large footprint. Are you going to also throw in some kind of other species of fish as well, or just cory's?

 

[The_Desacrator]

I'd add a couple of angels so you have some activity in the middle/top of the tank.

 

[Sarjo Pepper]

That's disappointing. I wanted it to be cory cats only. It was going to be casino themed. I was going to call it the casino cory cat tank. If I was going to put anything else, I would limit the cats to 10-12 (2 species) and put in a mix of tetras (lots of lemons). I know angels are compatible with cats in temperament, but I've read a few places that their temperature ranges don't overlap much. Also, they have to pair off and then they can get very territorial come spawning time? I've read 1 angel is better aggression wise.

 

[sinibotia]

Maybe try a big school of pygmy corys? They tend to swim in the midwater a good amount. I've found in general that bottom dwellers will utilize the midwater if nothing else is there to bother them. (Although this is from loach-centric tanks rather than corydoras)

 

[Fishobsessed7]

Hey there! Welcome to the forum!

First off, cory cats are schooling fish, therefore needing a large group. If I were you, I would go with a tank with a large footprint, like a 55 gallon long, and do 2 big groups of 2 species. Just pick your favorite and get 10-12 of those 2 species. The more you put in their group, the more safe they will feel. Also, a bigger group of cory's is stunning, look up some videos!

I agree with this and with using a 40 breeder instead of a 55


Fishobsessed7

Money Can't Buy Happiness, But It Can Buy Fish Which Is Pretty Much The Same Thing

 

[Fishobsessed7]

That's disappointing. I wanted it to be cory cats only. It was going to be casino themed. I was going to call it the casino cory cat tank. If I was going to put anything else, I would limit the cats to 10-12 (2 species) and put in a mix of tetras (lots of lemons). I know angels are compatible with cats in temperament, but I've read a few places that their temperature ranges don't overlap much. Also, they have to pair off and then they can get very territorial come spawning time? I've read 1 angel is better aggression wise.

You could definitely do just cories.


Fishobsessed7

Money Can't Buy Happiness, But It Can Buy Fish Which Is Pretty Much The Same Thing

 

[fish wrangler]

Maybe try a big school of pygmy corys? They tend to swim in the midwater a good amount. I've found in general that bottom dwellers will utilize the midwater if nothing else is there to bother them. (Although this is from loach-centric tanks rather than corydoras)

My corys on the 20L swim all over the place, but mostly the lower 2/3 of the tank. If they feel safe they will come out more.

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