When can I introduce panda corys?

[properphatboy]

I've had some conflicting advice from a couple of different LFS'. One has told me I need to wait 2 to 3 months with the tank set up and the rest of the fish in before adding Panda Corys, the other has said there is no need to wait.

It's a 55L tank with 6 neon tetras, 1 betta, 5 red cherry shrimp and I'd like to add 5 Panda Corys. Setup has been going for about a month now with stable water parameters (I did a fishless cycle before that, but stocked with the neons, then the betta a couple of weeks ago and added the shrimp yesterday).

Which LFS is right?

[TropicalFishForums]

[plankton]

If it's cycled then you can add straight away. There will be a biofilm for them to nibble on if the shrimp haven't eaten it all.
However.....the last betta I had used to attack the pandas and I had to move them out. That was a 54l tank as well.....he had it to himself in the end with an Asian shrimp.

[VC]

I added mine straight after I cycled my aquarium and they’re doing fine.

[DoubleDutch]

If it's cycled then you can add straight away. There will be a biofilm for them to nibble on if the shrimp haven't eaten it all.
However.....the last betta I had used to attack the pandas and I had to move them out. That was a 54l tank as well.....he had it to himself in the end with an Asian shrimp.

You could, but I understand what the other LFS is stating.

Letting ripen substrate is a good idea and certainly with the current weak pandas in the trade. It isn't about right or wrong I think. A LFS that gives advise contrary to sell, sell and sell but wait / have patience instead is a good one to me.


No Cory no glory

[Briganti]

Unrelated to your question but you might find that the betta will develop a taste for cherry shrimp.

[DoubleDutch]

Unrelated to your question but you might find that the betta will develop a taste for cherry shrimp.

Besides that the betta is the one that needs higher temps than the other fish.

No Cory no glory