Pleco Cory

Hey guys new to the site seems awesome can't quite find what I'm looking for. A little new to the game. Right now I have 10 tetras that don't exceed 1" in size. I have 2 corys and basically my question is would it be okay if I upped to 5 corys and also add a highfin spotted pleco (yes I am planning to transfer pleco to bigger tank once it exceeds mine). I also habe hidding places for both. 55 gallon tank! Thanks in advance!

 

I'd up the Corys to 20-30 but wouldn't add a plec that will be to big for this tank in the future.

 

HI and welcome to Fishlore

This is a 55-gallon tank? What type of cory do you have?

I agree with DoubleDutch that you can increase your cories to a much larger group.

I also agree about the pleco. Personally, I like to stock with fish that will always fit the size tank I have. Wait until you have a larger tank, and then you can get a highfin spotted pleco. There are many smaller types of plecos that would suit your size tank if you’d like to consider them.

 

I'd up the Corys to 20-30 but wouldn't add a plec that will be to big for this tank in the future.

I agree with DoubleDutch that you can increase your cories to a much larger group.

I would also skip the pleco and just get a bigger group of Corys, I have somewhere between 20-30 Gold Lasers in my 125G and they really love being in the larger group. Watching 10+ of them swimming together looking for food never gets old.

 

I agree with everyone about the sailfin pleco. I started my 55 up a couple of years ago and just had to have my pleco. sadly I had to give him up in less than a year. I loved that big guy but that was the problem. He grew so fast and I knew it was just a matter of time before he would outgrow my tank size. Fortunately the pet store I buy my fish from has a huge coy (coi...you know, those beautiful very expensive gold fish) pond. Jethro is now living out his life in that pond. I now have more little cory's than I can count in my tank. those cute little vacuum cleaners breed like crazy and they move so fast a head count is impossible. Before long I will probably have to rehome a few more of them.

I would suggest lots more corys in place of the sailfin and possibly a Bristle nose pleco if you really want a pleco. I have a male albino now just because I love plecos and the BN fills that ache for one.

 

I have somewhere between 20-30 Gold Lasers in my 125G and they really love being in the larger group. Watching 10+ of them swimming together looking for food never gets old.

Totally agree that big schools are better, for sure. But, speaking from the still relatively newb perspective...
5 corys @ say $4 each = $20. Manageable at any given time.
20-30 corys = $80-120. Significant investment.
Maybe spread out multiple purchases over a few months? Added bonus, you're more likely to get fish from different cohorts, meaning you won't have a tank full of siblings. Better genetic diversity, should they breed. (unless they're wild caught, in which case it wouldn't matter).
I feel your pain.

 

5 corys @ say $4 each = $20. Manageable at any given time.
20-30 corys = $80-120. Significant investment.

100% agree with you.

I have been very fortunate in that I am friends with a local breeder and so have gotten many of my fish either at crazy low prices, free or as a trade for something. I realize that is a lucky situation to be in, so not going to work for many people. What is worth doing is looking into local aquarium clubs, typically they have auctions and you can often pick up fish cheaper than at retail. That also gives you the added bonus that they are more than likely healthier as well.