Questions About Substrate.

[Doohiky]

I currently have normal play sand in my semi-planted tank. Are substrate choices just down to personal preference? I have seen some tanks with dark/black substrate that look very striking. Are there any particular benefits to using a darker substrate, or is it simply the preference of the tank owner?
I have also seen substrate that seems to be specific to heavily planted tanks. Flora-Base? (Looks like little brown balls) Once again, do these have any tangible benefits for the tank? Also, how would Kuhli Loaches or Corys fare with this substrate compared to a finer sand? (I currently have some Kuhli Loaches in my tank)

Thanks

 

[SensesFail]

I currently have normal play sand in my semi-planted tank. Are substrate choices just down to personal preference? I have seen some tanks with dark/black substrate that look very striking. Are there any particular benefits to using a darker substrate, or is it simply the preference of the tank owner?
I have also seen substrate that seems to be specific to heavily planted tanks. Flora-Base? (Looks like little brown balls) Once again, do these have any tangible benefits for the tank? Also, how would Kuhli Loaches or Corys fare with this substrate compared to a finer sand? (I currently have some Kuhli Loaches in my tank)

Thanks

The colour of the substrate is down to personal choice really. If you have corys then you are really limited to sticking with sand like substrate or substrate that will not damage their whiskers. I have asked the question in relation to the substrate for plants and im still really in a debate about what to get myself! I want the best substrate that will be beneficial to both the plants and the fish. Im even willing to layer it with plant substrate on the lower level and sand on the top but cant seem to decide on what to do! Im even toying with Co2 systems if this is really required!

 

[twodoctors]

Some people pay the premium and get the plant substrate. They put it in the bottom then cover it up with other sand/gravel. The plant substrate is supposed to hold nutrient for the plant better and also allow it to root better. I am new to the hobby also so I can't possibly comment.

I chose black substrate because I thought it would look cool. No regrets personally. I started with coarse gravel because I didn't know better. After a few weeks I had planaria, due to food/stuff falling between the gravels and not vacuuming those up during water change. Coarse gravel also means you can't keep corys as it will damage their barbels as mentioned in previous post. I changed to fine gravel (also black) which is more expensive, but again it looks nicer in my opinion. I now have 6 corys and their barbels are still intact 3 weeks later. I bought the Unipac 2-3mm gravel in black.

Hope that helps.

Adrian

 

[Caprichoso]

I have 3-5mm river gravel and my 12 year old green cories still have their barbels. Obviously sand would be ideal for them though as it's easier to root through. Substrate is a personal choice. IMO the plant substrate is a waste of money. The nutrients in it will eventually come out leaving useless substrate that you probably don't even like the look of. Pick the substrate that you like best, then put fertilizer pellets into the substrate for rooted plants and liquid for non-rooted.

 

[James9114]

I personally disagree with coarse gravel damaging the barbels i have 12 cories and all barbles intact and heathly i.e not shortened or damaged in anyway.

 

[Rogue4Fish]

Is micro-gravel a good alternative to sand?? I want something quite fine, but black.