Help Please - Sand Vs Gravel Debate :)

[Little_Nemo]

Anyone know of any substrate (I think its the correct term?) that has bigger grains than sand but smaller in size than gravel?
Really tempted to go down the sand route though as im getting pygmy corys, but unsure of how easy it is to keep clean, and whether or not it is a pain in the bum to put in the tank?! I currently have gravel thats about 2mm and rounded edges - would this do for cories?
Although i did read you have to be careful with them so they dont break their barbels (The delicate whisker like bits, right?)

 

[lilfishie]

roman gravel is usually good, but sand is no problem to clean, the mess stays on the top you use your gravel vac just hold it a little further away

 

[BIG BAD BARRY]

I believe their barbels get affected by waste trapped in the gaps between gravel as well as the physical damage.

 

[Little_Nemo]

Theres I think it's called dennerlee gravel which is suitable for shrimps ... really really micro. If i wanted to stay with gravel would that be fine? Got quite a while i think before my tank finishes its cycle, so plenty of time to look around, and listen to more reviews of use of sand in an aqaurium

 

[Little_Nemo]

Getting sand - pets at home, b&q or toys r us? Going soon need to know wheres best?