75gallon, sand or gravel?

Hi guys. Im going to be setting up a 75gallon in about 2 or 3 weeks. Im planning on using a canister and a HOB with some live plants. The stock is 1 BP (currently have) 10-15 tetras (congos OR black skirts), and 6 cory cats. I was planning on using gravel, but would sand be better for the cory cats? Or is gravel ok for them?

 

Sand is much better. I recommend getting some PFS from your local hardware store. It works great and is safe and cheap.

 

Gravel is okay, I would just make sure its not too sharp just in case(rounded gravel is the safest). I'de probably go with black sand though since it looks nice and the corys can sift through it.

 

Corys sift through sand to look for food, it is much more natural and better for them however as long as the gravel is super smooth, it should work.

 

Just a note op, most substrates are fine for them, just if you are using a rough gravel feed foods that they don't have to really dig for(so they won't get cut).

 

I'd go with sand. You'll not only take out the risk of corys hurting themselves on gravel, but it's also easier to keep clean (IMO) and the corys will have fun sifting through it. I also find it easier to find safe, affordable sand than to it to find safe, affordable gravel, but maybe that's just what's available in my area.

 

Ok thanks! Ill look into getting them some sand Do you think peppered cories would work in the tank?

 

Black Diamond Blasting Sand..for the win!!

 

black diamond is good if you want black sand. It hides fish turds really well whereas white sand shows EVERYTHING, although IMHO tends to look better in aquascapes.