Muffymouse

I remember reading somewhere that bettas and sand are a bad combo as they tend to eat it and it does bad things to them. Is this true? (no one worry, I'm just doing some research before making any changes to anything or even buying another betta) =)) I have also heard that cory cats would do well with sand as it is easier on their barbels?? Thoughts anyone? All info welcome =)

capekate

Hi Muffymouse
You are right on both accounts. The corys do like sand, due to their fragile barbels.. And there has been some discussion on sand/Bettas. Im not sure what the percentage was for and against. But there were debates on both.
Personally, I love the look of sand when I see posters photos of their tanks w/sand. I have all natural pebble gravel, and would love to try the sand in a future tank. From what I have heard, I dont think that I would use it for my Bettas tho. As for corys and gravel, I have not heard of any problems from folks that use that with their corycats.
Are you thinking of starting a new tank w/sand or switching over from gravel to sand in an existing tank?

Muffymouse

I'm considering switching my existing tank over to sand. It is time for a change in decor and since I just lost all of my guppys and am left with only corys, I thought I might give it a try.

Narcicius

even though it might not be, I still think sand is just more trouble, I'll stick to my assorted pebbles substrate.

andy65

try this

I would not have sand in with a betta.

My mom is switching her 40 gallon tank from gravel to sand. It very easy. It just takes a few to get it all in.

Muffymouse

ok, sounds good so far and seeing as I don't have any betta's nor am I likely to get one soon (the last three have all died terrible dropsy related deaths, and my husband has said I need to leave them be for now) I could switch over and perhaps that would perk up my cory's as well. =)

andy65

My moms cories LOVE the sand! They go head first in it looking for stuff to eat. Its very fun to watch.

When you do start changing to sand,did it in 1/4 of the tank every week or week and a half. This way you won't cause a Mini-cycle in your tank. Pool filter sand is the way to go. It very to clean.

Muffymouse

I'm hearing lots of good things about pool filter sand, thanks for the advice on the switch too. Next thing is where do I find this wonderful sand?? Also what does it look like?

andy65

Go to a pool store and just ask for it by name. It will come in more than likely a 50 Lb bag. Or you could go to a big box home improvement store and ask for it. It looks like sand.