Can I add fine sand on top of small stones in substrate

[Perbud]

Hi all..I have corys and want to add fine sand on top of an inch of small natural pebble like substrate to save their barbels..Do you think this would work and if so how much sand should I add..I have a 20 gal high with a inch layer of substrate.

 

[JuiceBox52]

The sand will end up on the bottom and the rocks on top

 

[Byron]

Agree. If you want cories, change the substrate out for smooth sand. You can add a few pebbles of varying sizes provided they are sitting on a bed of sand.

The barbel erosion has more to it than just the substrate material. Bacteria that can erode barbels will be more likely in larger-grain substrates. In sand the organics falling to the substrate can more rapidly be broken down by bacteria.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Agree. If you want cories, change the substrate out for smooth sand. You can add a few pebbles of varying sizes provided they are sitting on a bed of sand.

The barbel erosion has more to it than just the substrate material. Bacteria that can erode barbels will be more likely in larger-grain substrates. In sand the organics falling to the substrate can more rapidly be broken down by bacteria.

I didnt know that about the bacteria. Thank you for sharing that

 

[Byron]

I didnt know that about the bacteria. Thank you for sharing that

Yes, the bits of this and that get down among the larger grains (pea gravel and anything larger are bad for this) and it takes longer for the decomposition. I guess (this is just my guess) the rotting organics cause the problems. This is the same problem that occurs with bare bottom tanks.