Replacing fish?

[KiwiWillow]

I have a community tank and over the last few years there have been some gradual losses. Nothing that has raised concerns, just very sporadic disappearances for the most part. Only twice has a fish been seen to be unwell beforehand, and most times no evidence is ever found! With a few vacancies, I am wondering - should I replace with the same or different species? For example, there are now just 2 panda Cory and I know they prefer being in a bigger group. But have they vanished for a reason (substrate is round gravel, not sand). What do others do when numbers drop below the ideal 6 or 8 of a type?

 

[Dechi]

It depends on what I want. It might be an opportunity for you to try new fish in your setup. If you miss the fish you lost, then you can get more of those as well. There really is no rule.

I know everyone says Cories need to be in a group but I have 7 and never see more than 2 together most of the time.

 

[NoRoom4Shoebox]

I dont think you need to feel obligated to keep adding replacement fish. I know its easy to feel sad for the schooling shouling fish when the numbersstart to dwindle, but i think aquarium fish deal with it better since they learn that they are not at risk of predation. One time ages ago I had about 5 yoyo loaches, andover time only one eas left. He started wall surfing day and night, in that case I did get more yoyo loaches, so my point is, abserve your fish.

Dechi, thats interesting to know that cories dont stay together in the tank, Most of my loach species stay pretty close to each other.

 

[bgarthe]

It is entirely up to you. When my favorite shoals get too few in number, I do get more because I like the higher group size and QT them. Or you can add a new group.

Regarding the CoryCats, you have several options.
1. Change out your substrate to accommodate more CCs.
2. Get larger ones and rehome the two.
3. Add more Pandas and hope for the best. But adding more Pandas to what you know is the wrong substrate is kinda unfair to the newcomers.
4. Switch to another bottom dweller species
How big is your tank? Filtration, fish population, water temperature, water parameters (pH, GH, and KH?

 

[KiwiWillow]

The tank is about 33 gallons, 22 degrees. Moderately planted. Rocks and driftwood, pH around 6.8. KH and GH - sorry, I always forget which way around they test and I don’t have the results to hand, but 3 and 8 drops to turn. It’s got a built in filter. Currently there are 3 honey gourami, 4 cherry barbs, 2 panda, and 7 neons.
Do you have any suggestions for another bottom dweller option?