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Substrate Question Please

BettaBeFish said:
Defo need to think of the cories which is why I’m not going seachem fluorite - something I was advised to use 🤷‍♀️

I won’t be having Baby tears just plants such as anubias, Java fern / moss etc
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Corydoras should not be housed over any "plant" enriched substrate. There can be significant bacteria problems, and these substrates are usually too rough, that is how they work. Layers of sand over one or more of these is not the answer as cories do naturally dig. Sand that is not rough is the only suitable substrate if cories are intended; anything less is frankly inhumane, because cories have a natural inherent need to filter sand and unless this is meant they are not being given what they expect.
 
Thank you! So a fine sand it is then 😃 May I ask your recommendations please?
Byron said:
Corydoras should not be housed over any "plant" enriched substrate. There can be significant bacteria problems, and these substrates are usually too rough, that is how they work. Layers of sand over one or more of these is not the answer as cories do naturally dig. Sand that is not rough is the only suitable substrate if cories are intended; anything less is frankly inhumane, because cories have a natural inherent need to filter sand and unless this is meant they are not being given what they expect.
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BettaBeFish said:
Thank you! So a fine sand it is then 😃 May I ask your recommendations please?
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As you are in the UK, there is a play sand called Argos Play Sand. This is according to other UK members a high quality. You could of course get an aquarium sand provided it is inert (does not increase GH/pH). Either is OK with respect to roughness (or lack thereof). No other industrial sand is as good.
 
Byron said:
As you are in the UK, there is a play sand called Argos Play Sand. This is according to other UK members a high quality. You could of course get an aquarium sand provided it is inert (does not increase GH/pH). Either is OK with respect to roughness (or lack thereof). No other industrial sand is as good.
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The Argos play sand is the only "non-aquarium" sand that has been proven to be fish safe (in the UK that is, US folks have more options) and it is a fine sand, so suitable for things like cories. Plus inexpensive. Other non-aquarium sands may contain dyes, silicates or other chemicals that make them unsafe for fish. But the Argos play sand also only comes in one colour sadly, it's, well, sand coloured. So if you'd prefer something else, looks for aquarium sands - fine sand if you're thinking for cories.
 
Wow really?! Argos play sand! I’m shocked but pleasantly surprised! Was looking at this Komodo natural sand - your thoughts if I may:

Failing that Argos play sand it shall be 😃
 
I don't know if it makes a difference, but it is labelled as reptile sand, and that's what on-line shops are selling as.

It also looks very light in colour, and white/very pale substrates are not good for fish. They reflect light upwards into the tank which is not what fish 'expect' and it can stress them.
 
AdoraBelle Dearheart said:
Can attest to this. Managed to get superglue all over my fingers while gluing some plant to wire mesh the other day, and when it peeled off it took a good layer of skin with it. Makes your fingers very tender afterwards! Not so fun.
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Many nail polish removal solutions will dissolve super glue with no damage to your skin.
 
jaylach said:
Many nail polish removal solutions will dissolve super glue with no damage to your skin.
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I should tell my mom about this... We can get some white nail polish then :)
 
Sand,

Did you know that most of the play sand you find in stores contains carcinogenic dust? Most sand is derived from quarried quartz rocks and contains crystalline silica, a carcinogen. In addition to the cancer risk, sand particles can be a risk to children's developing lungs

Store-bought sand also contains tremolite, which can have long-term adverse effects if your children, as well. These harmful substances are the reason for the California Proposition 65 label on most store-bought sandbox sand.

These are the reasons I use fine gravel rather than sand.
 
I dont know if I use sand or very fine gravel but I got it at a hardware store labeled for pool filter sand and it works amazingly well! Goes well with the black sand
(This pic kinda shows the sand well... I cant take a pic rn so I'm just using the best one on hand)
IMG_0370.JPG
 
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