Do amazon swords need Root tabs? Or can they be fine with no fertilizer/Leaf zone?

[Byron]

huh. its called flukers natural reptile sand bedding, on petco.com

Do not ever use reptile sand/bedding. It is likely too rough, or it may have additives. You want proper inert aquarium river sand. CarribSea produce several.

 

[BettaFishGirl]

huh. its called flukers natural reptile sand bedding, on petco.com

That's reptile bedding, not sure if it's safe for fish. I got this sand, it's a nice sand. As Byron said, Carribsea has great sand too. Carribsea is also a softer sand.

AquaNatural Sugar White Sand 10lb Substrate for aquascaping, Aquariums, vivariums and terrariums https://a.co/d/06BkB9v

 

[UnityLover]

That's reptile bedding, not sure if it's safe for fish. I got this sand, it's a nice sand. As Byron said, Carribsea has great sand too. Carribsea is also a softer sand.

AquaNatural Sugar White Sand 10lb Substrate for aquascaping, Aquariums, vivariums and terrariums https://a.co/d/06BkB9v

Thats too white for corys though, right?

 

[Byron]

White is not good, but there are ways to get around it. Dim lighting. And/or lots of floating plants. As I already posted back a ways, it is the overhead light on white that is the problem for the fish. So reducing the light is the way to go. Floating plants, and dark stuff on the sand, like dried leaves (these also produce infusoria, an excellent natural fish food that cories love to graze), chunks of dark wood.

 

[UnityLover]

White is not good, but there are ways to get around it. Dim lighting. And/or lots of floating plants. As I already posted back a ways, it is the overhead light on white that is the problem for the fish. So reducing the light is the way to go. Floating plants, and dark stuff on the sand, like dried leaves (these also produce infusoria, an excellent natural fish food that cories love to graze), chunks of dark wood.

Planning to have a thick carpet. Is that fine? Will it stop reflecting?

 

[Byron]

Planning to have a thick carpet. Is that fine? Will it stop reflecting?

Partly, yes. Carpet plants are not exactly easy though. Many need brighter light, the one thing these fish do not want.

 

[UnityLover]

Partly, yes. Carpet plants are not exactly easy though. Many need brighter light, the one thing these fish do not want.

Its seeded plants. I drop ALOT of small easily growing plants, and I get my carpet.

 

[AlexT]

What a great thread. Looking forward to seeing how it all pans out. Byron working overtime again. What a great forum.

 

[UnityLover]

Also, My tank isnt gaurenteed to be a 10Gallon. Might be a 15 gallon. We got from the thrift store and I just made a guess.

 

[BettaFishGirl]

Also, My tank isnt gaurenteed to be a 10Gallon. Might be a 15 gallon. We got from the thrift store and I just made a guess.

You can use an aquarium calculator to find out the exact size.

 

[Byron]

Also, My tank isnt gaurenteed to be a 10Gallon. Might be a 15 gallon. We got from the thrift store and I just made a guess.

Measure the length, width and height in cm or inches, and use the calculator on the right side of the screen to calculate the volume in liters and/or US gallons.

 

[UnityLover]

Will do once I get home. Also, is this sand good?
https/www.amazon.com/Carib-Sea-Super-Na...

 

[Byron]

Will do once I get home. Also, is this sand good?
https/www.amazon.com/Carib-Sea-Super-Na...

Not much info on Amazon, so have a look at the manufacturer website page, it has more info. I would say there are a couple that look good. Crystal River, Moonlight Sand, Sunset Gold, Jungle River Sand are the four that are OK for the particle size, The others are too large for pygmy cories. When you click on the link, go down and click on Super Naturals not any of the others.

Freshwater Substrates - CaribSea

AFRICAN CICHLID MIX™ Eco-Complete™ Cichlid Eco‑Planted™ Super Naturals™ Super Naturals Aquascapes™ Samurai Soil™ AFRICAN CICHLID MIX™Offered in seven varieties to suit every aquarist’s taste. CaribSea’s African Cichlid substrates can help recreate a variety of environments. Rift Lake Authentic™...

caribsea.com

 

[UnityLover]

Not much info on Amazon, so have a look at the manufacturer website page, it has more info. I would say there are a couple that look good. Crystal River, Moonlight Sand, Sunset Gold, Jungle River Sand are the four that are OK for the particle size, The others are too large for pygmy cories. When you click on the link, go down and click on Super Naturals not any of the others.

Freshwater Substrates - CaribSea

AFRICAN CICHLID MIX™ Eco-Complete™ Cichlid Eco‑Planted™ Super Naturals™ Super Naturals Aquascapes™ Samurai Soil™ AFRICAN CICHLID MIX™Offered in seven varieties to suit every aquarist’s taste. CaribSea’s African Cichlid substrates can help recreate a variety of environments. Rift Lake Authentic™...

caribsea.com

Reviews call it fine, so ill assume its the moonlight sand by its looks.

 

[BettaFishGirl]

Reviews call it fine, so ill assume its the moonlight sand by its looks.

I have the Carribsea sand for the 10g, make sure to wash it really well! It's crazy how much cloudy-ness comes out of it.