Sand Vs. Gravel

LasColinasCichlids

I have cories on playsand, also have loaches (for the moment) on sand. I use to have gravel.
I personally think that any bottom dweller appreciates sand much more than any other substrate.
Although there is a lot of options for sand substrates, I personally wouldnt use pool filter sand. I have, as mentioned, play sand in one, and overpriced "aquarium" sand in the other. (I like the end result better with the overpriced stuff, but the playsand is easier to deal with when cleaning and setting up the tank, IMO.)

TwinDad

Thanks. I built a 20 gallon with play sand and was going to move my 6 julli cories to the play sand with the 55 gallon being either playsand or aquarium sand.

I'll rule out Pool Filter Sand for the COries. I thought I had seen posts about a few people who had cories with eroded barbels on cories.

Godmadefish

Thanks everyone so much for the input, its so very helpful! I actually already have a pre-filter sponge. Its kind've a pain sometimes, but I lost a mystery snail to my filter intake and decided something had to be done. I have a dojo loach who will absolutely love sand, and I can't wait to put it in there. Again, thanks so much.