Getting Some Air

[rhi]

So my tank is a 29 gallon

My question is basically:
 
Why does my cory keep coming to the surface to get some air?

All my other fish neon tetra, betta, khuli, doesnt do that so I was just wondering whats going on. Thanks.

 

[GetItSahn]

It's what they do, it's not a problem unless they are doing it ALL the time. If your cory's come up very often it means you have low oxygen levels.

 

[rhi]

might be oxygen then cause they all come up alot. probably like every 2-5 minute. If thats the case then how would I increase my oxygen.

 

[GetItSahn]

I assume your tank is cycled and parameters are in check. If they aren't, it could be ammonia related but most likely not enough oxygen. How many fish are in your tank?

 

[rhi]

Yup its cycle. Ammonia is 0ppt. 

3 cory
2khuli
12 neon tetra
1betta

 

[BelldandyShanny]

Try adding an air stone, if you don't already have one that is

 

[nigsy]

Corys do come up for air. It's normal behaviour.
 
If all your fish are gulping at the surface then you have a problem, if it's just Cories popping up every now and then, don't worry about it.

 

[fluttermoth]

Yep, as nigsy says, this is normal behaviour for corydoras and many other loaches and catfish (including plecs).

They have evolved to get some of their oxygen from an air bubble they keep in their gut. At intervals they go up to the surface to get a new air bubble and ... fart out! the old one

 

[DerpPH]

It is sort of an adaptation to the low oxygen environments in the amazon esp in the landlocked pools. 
 
And might I suggest you up your numbers. They need to be in a group of at least 6

 

[GetItSahn]

I'd say everyone summed it up quite well, definitely try to add 3-5 more corys if possible

 

[rhi]

Alright thanks every. Well definitely get some more this weekend. Thanks!

Does time difference matter in how they will get along and how about difference in size?

 

[GetItSahn]

What exactly do you mean by time difference? I have peppered corys and I have a fully grown female who's almost 4 inches and the rest of my corys are 2 or below so I don't think size should matter.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Make sure they're the same type..imagine that is probably obvious but wanted to make sure you knew anyways
I think they're funny with how fast they swim up, if I have the tank lid open I usually get splashed.

 

[rhi]

What exactly do you mean by time difference? I have peppered corys and I have a fully grown female who's almost 4 inches and the rest of my corys are 2 or below so I don't think size should matter.

  Couldn't really word it but you already answered it! LOL

 

[eaglesaquarium]

If your oxygen levels are low, you can increase oxygen in the water by increasing surface agitation...
 
 
You mentioned your ammonia was 'zero', but not your nitrite.  Have you tested that?  Nitrite affects a fish's ability to take oxygen in through the gills, even if its present. So, if they are going to the surface as much as you suggest, every few minutes, that's far too frequently for everything to be 'hunky dory'.
 
I'd double check the nitrite, and increase surface agitation to get more oxygen into the water.