Corys, plants and substrates

[dmaccy]

Hi, thinking about changing substrate in my established tank. Currently one third of tank is sand and remaining in gravel. Despite best efforts my julli cory keep damaging barbels, so want to move to wholly sand. Even though believed smooth gravel to be fine (note to others its not , start with sand if getting corys)

Obviously plan to switch across two or three water changes. Would also be interested to know if moving to 50-75% sand would be beneficial for the corys or still be risky?

I'm thinking about something called tropical reef natural black crystal sand.

Has anyone used this before?
And is it suitable for both plants and corys?
Does it affect tank pH?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Do you have a link for the sand?

In order to change over a substrate, you will first need to remove all of the stock (into buckets or a QT tank) and then drain the tank. Then remove all of the old stuff and replace it with your new sand. How big is the tank?

 

[dmaccy]

Tropical-Reef Natural Black Crystal Gravel Sand Aquarium Fish Tank Substrate 2mm | eBay

Decorative aquarium gravel is the ideal way to enhance the appearance of you fish tank. Tropical-Reef Premium Decorative 1-2mm Crystal Black Aquarium Gravel Sand. 100% Natural gravel from streams/rivers.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Yes, that looks nice, but it seems that the grain size is far to large for corys. I saw it said “neutral in pH”, which means it shouldn’t alter your pH levels.

 

[dmaccy]

And if I source sand at 0.5mm is it possible to retain healthy plant growth?

 

[itiwhetu]

Just put the sand over the base that is there

 

[FishGuest5123]

If the gravel were new, I might go along with leaving it but the fact that it has food and poop in it, I would not. Burying bacteria such as that may create issues.

 

[itiwhetu]

Gravel size isn't the only thing that can effect the barbels on catfish. Water chemistry can also as well as diet. I personally never ran corydoras on sand and never seemed to have the problems that some aquarists have here.

 

[Mick85]

Do you have a link for the sand?

In order to change over a substrate, you will first need to remove all of the stock (into buckets or a QT tank) and then drain the tank. Then remove all of the old stuff and replace it with your new sand. How big is the tank?

I've changed substrates in both my established tanks from gravel to sand and i did it with the fish still in the tank. Didn't lose a single fish in either tank. It can be done.