Best substrate for Corys

Coryguy01

Can I get some views on the best bottom substrate for corydoras. Would fine sand be better than course gravel?....or...like to hear some opinions.... Happy New Year to all @ TFK

aunt kymmie

Corys have delicate barbels and love to root around in the substrate nonstop. If I were to keep corys (I keep loaches instead, and loaches are too active to keep with peaceful corys, IMHO) I wouldn't keep them on anything but sand, or very teeny tiny gravel. Course gravel can damage their barbels. Happy New Year to you, too!!

Inga

I have read that sand is the best but when questioning the possibilities of having Cories in my tanks, I was told that my gravel was fine. I have Eco-Complete which to me, is kind of rough. I took a chance and got some Cories, they seem to be doing just fine on the Eco. I think making sure plenty of food makes it's way to the bottom for them is the key.

Coryguy01

Inga, what is ECO-Complete?...Is it some type of sand or gravel?....or...were can I find some info on it?

Inga

Eco-Complete is a gravel and it is supposed to be fantastic for plants. I love how it looks. You can see it in my Aquarium pictures. The 25 gallon tank has black and the 60 gallon is Red. I love them both.

willow

i keep mine on a gravel/sand mix,and they're doing well.

sik80

I have pool filter sand (PFS) any my cories seem to enjoy rooting around in it. PFS has the very small grains of sand removed, so it compacts less than play sand, and I also imagine is better for allowing some water flow through the substrate to prevent anaerobic spots occurring.