Best sand for Julii Corydoras / shrimp question

[GaryE]

Enter a sandman...

Pool filter sand is my go to, but not for Corydoras. In my world view, it isn't really sand, but gravel. It isn't fine enough.

I like using playsand in my Cory only tanks. It takes rinsing, and that's a pain. I haven't used quikrete. I don't think we get it on our side of the continent. I go with other playsands, and have a choice of pure white, buff or reddish sandy (not far from a lot of red sand beaches here).

I'm working my way through Ian Fuller's site, and he is astonishing. I thought he was great in past contacts and discussions, but the breadth of his experience with Corys is what this hobby can be at its best. This is a person to listen to.

 

[GaryE]

Just an aside - it probably isn't julii. That's a rare fish fish we don't see often, and the hobby uses the Latin name like a common name. It isn't of great importance, but might be interesting.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Not everyone will agree, but Ian Fuller says no to pool filter sand because it is rough. I don't argue with wisdom. Also, the pool filter sand I believe is white, and that should never be put in an aquarium with fish.

I had a discussion with Quikrete a few years ago on their play sand. It is highly processed, the most processing of their sands, simply to ensure it is smooth and not rough. The individual I spoke with said they know that kids in a sand box may toss the sand into eyes, mouth, etc. It is safe for cories, whereas pfs is not.

I believe we've discussed this in another thread, but to reiterate, Quikrete PFS is neither rough nor white; it is smooth and beige/tan colored

 

[Alice B]

it is smooth and tan colored, and all my julii cories are ok, and eating well, water clear and tests well, but at least part of those gills look pinkish, I rinsed and rinsed but the water still went somewhat cloudy when I put in the Play sand

 

[Byron]

it is smooth and tan colored, and all my julii cories are ok, and eating well, water clear and tests well, but at least part of those gills look pinkish, I rinsed and rinsed but the water still went somewhat cloudy when I put in the Play sand

Not a problem, it is just dirt. I never rinsed new play sand all that much. Sand and dirt are really appreciated by cories!

 

[Alice B]

They hardly ever come out from under their cave. And they don't like me messing with their tank, I haven't managed to get a juvenile Albino BN in there yet, too small to net. but here are my corydroras. Sold as Julii cories. 3 videos on youtube.

 

[Alice B]

One of my little cories has eroded whiskers I noticed, after I did about an 80% water change. I added some Fritz Zyme 7 bacteria and a pinch of salt, he's eating with the rest. Hope he does ok. Had to look my post up to see what went on at the beginning and what medicine I used, turned out to be pink blotches and Furanace, but they are not blotchy at all this time