LetDiceFly

I have a 5 gallon tank with a betta. I am wondering if it would be possible to add some pygmy corys, but there are so many issues I am seeking some guidance. First question is whether the betta would bother these smaller corys, but I doubt he would. Second is what the minimum number make up a healthy school. Third, would that small school along with my betta exceed the bioload capacity of a 5 gallon aquarium.

TFA101

most pygmy cories grow to about 1.5". your betta will reach 2.5". So you can only add two. For a healthy school, it is recomended 5+. But that will greatly exceed the bioload. Also, some pygmy cories school in midwater sections, not the bottom like many others do. One regular corydoras would work though. Bronze or Bronze-Albino. Good luck

LetDiceFly

I read one another website about corys that grow only to 2 cm. I have a old albino cory that has been alone for a long time and doesn't seem unhappy, I might move him with the betta and find some others for my 10gal. Any suggestions for a planted 10gal with a krib and 2 platys.

TFA101

usually, the minimal size tank for a krib is 20 gallons, but if he is a single, then this should be ok for now. As long as you have hiding places, your krib (which grows up to 4") should be fine. Your two platys (male/female duo?) are about 2" a piece. I would recommend that these should be in a trio (though i keep mine seperatley for a reason) in a ratio of 2 females per one male to keep the males interests in the females balanced.

LetDiceFly

Well the krib turned out to be a problem for my albino cory. The krib used to be in a 5 gallon by himself, ridiculous yes, I know, problem with following the advice from fish stores. After moving him into the community tank he was ok for awhile but now he is hostile. The platies are wary enough to stay away but the cory apparently got attacked, although I didn't see it happen. I moved the cory with my betta and they seem to get along fine, but I'm wondering if the fin damage to the cory will heal. See picture. He is still is his happy cory self but he looks a little ragged. The 2 platys are both female and rather old, I don't think they need a male bothering them. Things seem a little calmer in there now after I moved the kribs barrel that he guards over to the far end of the tank rather than the middle. Please take a look at this cory and tell me if I should do anything for him. Note the betta isn't flaring at him, the cory just happened to be flying by at the time.

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