20 Gallon Tank Khuli Loach Substrate - Does perfection exist?

Hi all!

I am new to the Forum so apologies if this is not posted correctly. I think I read all of the past threads about Khuli Loaches and substrates. It is clear that sand makes for happy burrowing. My tank will be planted, however and I am concerned that I will not be able to stir sand as needed. I do not want snails that reproduce.

So my question is this. What brand of sand/tiny gravel:

1) can loaches and corys enjoy and can play and ideally burrow in
2) is rounded and irregularly shaped so it does not get compact and trap gas/bad bacteria
3) can plants anchor in (root tabs are fine!)
4) is not bright white or dark black
5) wont raise the tank's ph
6) won't break the bank?

What do you all think?

Thanks for your help!

 

1) can loaches and corys enjoy and can play and ideally burrow in
2) is rounded and irregularly shaped so it does not get compact and trap gas/bad bacteria
3) can plants anchor in (root tabs are fine!)
4) is not bright white or dark black
5) wont raise the tank's ph
6) won't break the bank?

Pool filter sand or quarz sand with 0.4-0.7mm granule size. In a layer of 2-4cm tops. For ideal replication of the habitat of these loaches add a sizable layer of leaf litter on top.

Brands are overrated if you know the type of product you need. That's all that counts.

 

I keep three different varieties of Botia Loaches. They do just fine with small grain rounded river gravel.
Home Depot & Lowe's sell Quikrete All Purpose Gravel, usually in the lawn & garden dept.The colors range from tan to dark brown. It's aquarium safe & very inexpensive.

 

Pool filter sand or quarz sand with 0.4-0.7mm granule size. In a layer of 2-4cm tops. For ideal replication of the habitat of these loaches add a sizable layer of leaf litter on top.

Brands are overrated if you know the type of product you need. That's all that counts.

Thanks! Will the Pool filter sand pack down and need to be stirred? I am guessing I would need 3 inches or so to be able to keep my Amazon Swords.

I keep three different varieties of Botia Loaches. They do just fine with small grain rounded river gravel.
Home Depot & Lowe's sell Quikrete All Purpose Gravel, usually in the lawn & garden dept.The colors range from tan to dark brown. It's aquarium safe & very inexpensive.

Thanks, A201! Are the pebbles small enough for the Khulis to be able to burrow?

Thanks! Will the Pool filter sand pack down and need to be stirred? I am guessing I would need 3 inches or so to be able to keep my Amazon Swords.

Thanks, A201! Are the pebbles small enough for the Khulis to be able to burrow?

Just took a look - your loaches look much bigger than the Khulis!

 

Just about any Loach can burrow into small grain rounded river gravel & it's suitable for plants.

 

Just found this. Does anyone know if this sand would be likely to need aerating or if it would be Khuli-safe? It is the closest thing I 've found to what I am looking for!

 

Thanks! Will the Pool filter sand pack down and need to be stirred? I am guessing I would need 3 inches or so to be able to keep my Amazon Swords.

I find the fear of compacting rather unnecessary unless you pack more than 10cm in the tank, which is just nonsensical anyway. But there is a reason I said 3-4 centimeters: The leaf litter forms a mulm layer on the sand and that has to be well oxygenated. For the Echinodorus you could also just make a little heap.