Can You Have Corys With Gravel?

[coldcazzie]

MMaisy you have a ugf right? You can't put sand on a ugf. They aren't compatible. If you get a bigger tank with q different filter then sand will be fine. You can get play sand from Argos or Toys R Us and once well washed it will do them just nicely, but you can't do it while you're still using that ugf in the tank you have.

 

[maisy12345]

MMaisy you have a ugf right? You can't put sand on a ugf. They aren't compatible. If you get a bigger tank with q different filter then sand will be fine. You can get play sand from Argos or Toys R Us and once well washed it will do them just nicely, but you can't do it while you're still using that ugf in the tank you have.

Hi Coldcazzie,thanks for your reply ,but whats a ugf,and what filter is suitable for sand ,i`ve already bought some from pets at home premium sand,ithink it`s silver sand?

 

[fluttermoth]

ugf = undergravel filter.

Coldcazzie's right, you can't use sand with an undergravel; it's too fine and clogs it up; I didn't realise you were using UG; not many people do these days, sorry....

To use sand you need a power filter; internal or external.

How about a shallow tray, like ready meal container, sunk into the gravel and filled with sand? That would give the corys somewhere to root about.

With water changes, you just need to pour the water over your hand or an ornament so it doesn't 'swoosh' the sand about.

 

[maisy12345]

Hi i haven`t got an undergravel filter ,it`s an Aquaone 101f internal filter [see attachment]

 

[fluttermoth]

That'll be fine with sand then

Just make sure you keep it switched it off until the sand has settled after your water change and you'll be fine

 

[maisy12345]

Thanks Fluttermoth

 

[coldcazzie]

That's ok then! Just the online bumph about your tank says it comes with a UGF, hence my concern

 

[maisy12345]

Thanks for your help Coldcazzie

 

[TheLoveDoctor]

When they're on sand the corys really dig into it; I mean bury the whole of their noses in it and rake through it, moving their snouts from side to side. If I've cleaned my tank and the sand is all smooth, I'll get up in the morning and it's all covered in little dimples where they've been digging into it.

This is what I mean; http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTB0hrRvbMY

I know 'happiness' is difficult thing to quantify with something like a fish; I suppose what I mean is; I can see why they evolved to be the shape they are and have barbels and it so obviously comes naturally to them to root around in the sand like that.

It's sort of hard to explain unless you've seen it, but I strongly believe that animals should be able to express their natural behaviours, and for corys, that's being able to dig in sand.

Please don't think I'm accusing anyone who keeps corys on gravel of cruelty, or anything like that; it's far more subtle than that! As I've said, I kept them on gravel for years and they seemed 'happy'. I just think it's better for them to be on sand; something that we should aim for.

Yes, they can uproot plants in sand, but like Baccus, I have a few handfuls of gravel around my plants to keep them down until they've settled in.

Hello, Great Video… 
 
May I ask what kind or type of sand is that? 
I want sand but have heard some sand is too sharp for cory cats and bottom feeders. 
 
I love the way they root around in that sand!! So what type exactly is it? Please!!! 
 
Thank you very much!!

 

[TheLoveDoctor]

I personally would never use gravel with corys again,has mentioned the corys do act differently with sand has opposed to gravel,and if the want for a better word,are tons happier than when i had gravel.
Mine root around in the sand and if you watch closely you can see the corys sifting sand through their gills,hunting for any tasty morsels

The downfall on gravel is if its too sharp and pointy is may damage the corys barbels,their barbels are what they hunt food out with,so obviously damage to these may affect their long term health,plus bacteria can build up between the gravel causing the corys to possibly getting bacterial infections.

Hi.,.. 
I am new to fish, 4 months now.
 
What kind of sand do you use for your Cory Cats?? 
And be specific as in company name, brand, size, etc. 
 
I want to make sure I get good sand for my little Cory Cats so they are healthy and have fun!!
 
Thank you!
 
Mike… 

 

[fluttermoth]

Hello there, TheLoveDoctor (great name, btw!).

I can't really help you with brands, as I'm in the UK, but hopefully someone from the US will see your post and be able to help you.

Most of us use children's playpit sand, as it's cheaper than the aquarium stuff.

 

[cjheck]

How about a shallow tray, like ready meal container, sunk into the gravel and filled with sand? That would give the corys somewhere to root about.

With water changes, you just need to pour the water over your hand or an ornament so it doesn't 'swoosh' the sand about.

Is this really an option? I want cory's but have a gravel bottom. Can you use something like a large version of this (http/www.thatpetplace.com/repti-rock-food-dish-large?sc=19&category=3149) filled with sand and sunk into the tank gravel for corys???

 

[frapadoodle]

Hey, LoveDoctor,
Here in the States most just go to HomeDepot, Lowes, or any hardware store.
I use Playsand from HD, 50lb bag for $2.50. Corys love it.
Just remember to rinse, rinse, rinse.

 

[fluttermoth]

 

How about a shallow tray, like ready meal container, sunk into the gravel and filled with sand? That would give the corys somewhere to root about.

With water changes, you just need to pour the water over your hand or an ornament so it doesn't 'swoosh' the sand about.

Is this really an option? I want cory's but have a gravel bottom. Can you use something like a large version of this (http/www.thatpetplace.com/repti-rock-food-dish-large?sc=19&category=3149) filled with sand and sunk into the tank gravel for corys???
 

You could indeed do that, although personally, I'd change the whole substrate. The cories would very likely root around in the gravel sections as well, which could lead to barbel erosion.

 

[gizzmo341]

i have a cory she went from a small gravel tank to a big and small gravel tank but she swims all over the tank cleaning she's alot more active since she moved tanks