What's best type/size of substrate for cories?

[Scarab]

Right now I'm into the whole betta thing but at some point in the future I'll be getting a larger community tank. I know I just have to have a group of cories (panda, pygmies and/or leopards). I like doing my research way in advance before I purchase/go into stuff.

What's the best type of substrate for them? Is small, rounded gravel ok? Medium sized? I'd prefer dealing with gravel...but is there another substrate that's better for them?

Thanks for the in advance for the info.

 

[Dman]

Since a cory is a a bottom feeder i can help, so for a cory i would try any type of gravel that is smooth and medium to small in size, also they should not mind sand as a substrate.

Or choose any type of gravel that u think a fish can easily stick his snout into to get any food that is in the gravel...

Damien

 

[juliethegr8t]

Corys have very sensitive barbels, so as long as you have gravel that doesn't have any sharp edges and isn't huge, you should be fine. I'm so happy that you're gonna get some of these adorable little guys - they're so much fun to watch rooting around. I have medium sized, random shaped gravel in my tank, and they haven't seemed to have any problems with it. I worried about it being a bit rough, but it's been fine. I must admit - I recommend getting pandas, I think they're the cutest, but that's probably cuz I have some and I'm totally biased . Those black eye spots are just adorable!!

 

[Scarab]

Thanks guys. It's gonna be a minute before I get them and the new tank. But like I said, I do my research early.

Julie...I agree. I think the Pandas are adorable and they're definitely my first choice. Right now I'm doing a little investigating to find out which LFS carry them or can get them for me. A guy at Petsmart actually referred me to a couple of places where he got his pandas and pygmies. They're a little drive from me, but still in the metro area...so I'll check them out (already emailed one).

 

[aquamanis]

I'm so happy that you're gonna get some of these adorable little guys - they're so much fun to watch rooting around.

Um....yeh, this has a different meaning in Australia!

 

[mrV]

Because they like to dig bottom, sand is the best bottom material. Gravel is too big and they don't act as they act in tank, where is sand. I have noticed that even grain size over 1mm is too big, under 1mm is much better.

 

[juliethegr8t]

Um....yeh, this has a different meaning in Australia!

lol well sorry, if it's inappropriate I swear I didn't mean it that way. Just meant that them digging in the gravel with their noses like lil pigs (where the term rooting comes from - wild boars and such).... is super cute. Pardon the naivety of my "American-ness".

 

[aquamanis]

LOL...so thats what it means, in oz its slang for...well just say breeding...LOL

 

[Scarab]

LOL

 

[Inchworm]

Scarab,

I admire your good sense for doing your research early. If more people did this there would be a lot less fish fatalities!

I have pandas and just love them. Two days ago I bought 6 young corydoras sterbai but unfortunatly have lost 2 of them already. (Don't know why.) These are beautiful fish, too, and you might want to check them out.

Anyway, what I wanted to tell you is that I use what they call #3 natural gravel. I buy it by the 50 lb. bag, but the independant lfs in my area also sell it by the pound. (loose-not in bags) It is small gravel. Be sure to avoid anything that may be painted because the paint may flake off. Natural is usually best, but it must have smooth surfaces.