Is My Gravel Too Large Or Rough For Corys? Pics

[newfishy]

ok, so I have a 29 gallon with 2 guppys and 8 platys, I would like group of corys, but I have already changed my substraite out once and atm cant change it out again for sand. my substrate is gravel, most of it half a pea size and some larger. I thought it would look more naturl that way. My tank is cycled and I do regular water changes/good gravel vacs. Is my gravel ok for a group of corys? or would it be too heavy/rough for them? if yes I simply wont get any till I can have the time and effort to change to sand.
here are the pics...with an american dime and quarter for size comparison.

 

[AlexAndCarmen]

The problem with some gravel is that it's too sharp for the cories delicate barbels. But if it's smooth and rounded, it should be fine.

Many cory keepers on this forum have gravel and have problems (I myself have sand, but that to start off with was more for planting the tank).

What type of cory are you going to go for? How long have you had your tank up and running for?

 

[newfishy]

my gravel is small and rounded not sharp, I also heard that you have to keep the gravel very very clean for corys.

tanks been set up since dec.

no idea what kind of cory, just trying to research them a good bit before I get any. I just think they are so cute and goofy. the lfs around here has pandas, peppered, green and some kind of albino.

 

[Cory_Dad]

I have very similar looking gravel in my main tank (concession to the wife) and my Corys or doing just fine; no damaged barbles (spelling?).

As ling as it's rounded (no sharp edges) you will be ok.

Good luck.

 

[Luketendo]

I have sand and It keeps Cory barbles very long and healthy.

 

[electric yellow]

I have sand in my albino cory home and they love it. It is the best for them because it does keep their barbles nioce and healthy and long.

I too have thought about the gravel flooring because I am getting a new 8x2x2ft tank.

I am thinking though that I will put sand in that one too. They like impeccable water quality so I change around 30% of the water weekly and have two filters running.

 

[jollysue]

barbels, sometimes seen as barbells

Sand is their natural substrate and is preferred. Neverthless, Corys can do well on a gravel substrate if care is taken, imo. But it is not everyone's opinion. I myself do not have them on gravel, although I have a tribe of Peppers in a planted community tank on EcoComplete. Test the gravel. One method is to rub the gravel between your hands. If it feels rough or sharp it may be hard on some Corys. Another is to try it and if there is a problem, be prepared to move them to a sand substrate. I hate to tell anyone to deprive themselves of the pleasure of Cory companionship, but....

It is not just the sharp edges that will give potential trouble. The Corys will dig into and move the gravel around with their barbels. They can wear them down doing that, as it is more use than is natural for them. I have seen the barbels on the peppers in the planted tank worn down on occasion from moving gravel around to dig for food. They aren't infected, just worn. They do grow back. But their barbels are not as long and fine as the ones on fine sand. Now I try to drop their black worms where there is less of the gravely flourite stuff and more of the earth.

Part of the spawning of Corys is the T position in which the male appears to grasp the lady by her barbels. The barbels are covered by taste buds. They are used to find and grasp their food. So the barbells are an important member for the Cory in several ways.