Aw, rats. ):

[metallspuerhunde]

I originally wanted to have a school of dwarf corys with my tetras in the 10 gal that is nearing cycle completion, but I read recently that my size of gravel would not do well with them. Which sucks, I really like these little guys. Does anyone have any suggestions of another type of fish that can coexist with the neons, another type of bottomdweller perhaps? Will cherry shrimp do well on your average-sized aquarium gravel, such as what one might randomly pick up at Petco?

Sorry if this is redundant, I'm just trying to be thorough. :)

[metallspuerhunde]

...Disregard that post, I think I'll just switch out the subtrate to sand or a finer gravel. thumbs2:

[Sarkazmo]

My 10G is 2/3rds Eco-Complete and 1/3rd natural marine sand. The corys LOVE both sides but the sand is really cool for them. Their little whiskers make this neat pattern in the sand as they're searching for food.

You could have Corys and Shrimp. Add a couple Marimo balls or some Java Moss and they'll all be in heaven.

Sark

[metallspuerhunde]

Yeah, I heard they do best with the sandier stuff and I want to do right by them if I decide to get a few.

I might as well ask, can one mix laterite with sand? What if I had a bottom layer of laterite and a top layer of sand? (this is a planted tank). I have read conflicting advice on mixing other stuff with sand...

[Sarkazmo]

I think the main problem you'll run into with mixing is that there's such a huge difference in the particle sizes. It will separate over time. Sand is such a poor soil for most plants. The laterite would help with the minerals and such that the plants need but the sand is not going to give the roots much if any support. To be honest, I love my Eco-Complete substrate. I mix in a little natural river pebble for colour and the plants absolutely LOVE it. Here's a pic of my little 1.5 gallon planted tank with EC.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Sark

[metallspuerhunde]

If only I could find eco-complete! Perhaps I can order it online somewhere. What if I crushed the laterite clumps into finer pieces so the size difference wouldn't be as vast?

I could have sworn I saw this somewhere, but is eco-complete cory-friendly? :)

Very lovely betta habitat btw, I'm hoping my own will look as good soon.

EDIT: nm, I found the thread addressing eco and the keeping of cory cats.

[Sarkazmo]

There's several people on here that keep corys on EcoComplete. I do. They seem to have no troubles with it.

I ordered my EcoComplete from Foster and Smith as I could not get it locally unless I bought at least two 20lb bags and at the time I only needed like 5lbs! heh.

I'm very proud of my little 1.5gallon betta tank. That lily in front is almost to the surface now. It'll get transplanted in the 10G soon. Thanks for your compliment.

Sark

[jaysee]

...Disregard that post, I think I'll just switch out the subtrate to sand or a finer gravel. thumbs2:

They really do like the sand A LOT more. I am in the process of switching all of my tanks from gravel to sand - 45, 20 and a 29 so far. It's a big job, but totally worth it!

[lef22]

sorry that my post doesn't have anything to do with corrys but how do you clean the sand!
As far as i know it requires a lot of effort and patience
Is there some easy way i don't know about?

[jaysee]

Hold the end of the vaccuum just over the sand and make little circles with it. The water movement lifts the particles off the sand so it can get sucked up. If you vaccuum out some sand, it's not the end of the world. So far, I find it easier - takes less time to clean.

[lef22]

still how big is your aquarium? I mean if its like a 50 gallon tank or more it must be a pretty long proceedure
But i suppose the result is worth the effort.I for one find sand in tanks very appealing

[jaysee]

The biggest I have sand in at the moment is 45. The 55 will be done next week. I have found it takes much less time to clean than gravel. The water change/cleaning still stakes the same amount of time, though.

[metallspuerhunde]

I put in an order for the Eco-complete this morning. :19: You're quite right, everthing I have read says sand is a negative for rooted plants like mine.

Good luck with your sand changes lef22,