Panda Corys first? - 29 gallon done cycling!

[Abemas]

My 29 gallon is officially done cycling. I'd like to get some fish in there this weekend or early this week and I'm pretty confident I want some pandas. Everything I've read about them says they like to be in large groups. How many should I start out with and is it acceptable to add them to a recently cycled tank as the first fish?


Also, my pH is 7.8...a little higher than recommended for corys...still acceptable?

 

[Mark Hewitt]

From what I've read Pandas are not the best fish to start with as they are quite sensitive. Something more like tetras to stabilise the tank first?

 

[Abemas]

Ahh I never thought of that. Aren't tetras a little sensitive themselves?

 

[Mark Hewitt]

Depends which ones. Black skirts are hard as nails.

 

[reefdiver]

I started with neons, black skirt and red high fin and they are all really good. I started 2 diffrent tanks , I have to say they will be ok as loong as you keep good water.

 

[Mark Hewitt]

Chances are since you've done your cycle the water will be perfectly fine. However with the first fish in there's always a chance of things changing since you're switching from periodic ammonia feeding to proper fish waste.

 

[Shetland James]

Could always get something hardy but attractive like guppies, platys or danios to help start the tank.

But in my own personal experience it doesn't matter - I've never had problems with deaths from early stocking. I've kept fish for about 5 years and run about 10 tanks.