Sand vs Gravel
 

I like Corydoras and was thinking of setting up my new 20 gallon tank with a sand bottom. I know gravel in a tank really helps with the growth of beneficial bacteria. Can the same bacteria grow as easily in sand? Will it take longer to cycle a tank with sand?

I have sand in all my tanks and beneficial bacteria will grow just as easily on sand as it will gravel. Cories are in heaven on a sandy bottom!

Yeah, I saw video on Youtube of Cory's going to town in a tank with a sandy bottom. They looked very happy! Is there any particular brand you recommend or is it all about the same? Do you have plants in your tanks? Any that do better in sand vs gravel that you would recommend?

you can get away with regular 'play sand' you can buy at Lowes or Home Depot...you can following this great tutorial right here....
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/f...utorial-28436/

the cleaning may seem like overkill, but it's necessary and will really help you out in the long run!!