Sand or Gravel ???

[GreetedMussel44]

I’m planning to get a new 30 gallon tank but I don’t know what’s the best bottom surface. Sand or Gravel ?

I’ll be definitely keeping Corydoras in there... do they need a specific type of surface ?


Thanks

 

[Salem]

Definitely sand- they like to sift through it and gravel can hurt them unless it's super smooth and fine. If you're looking to buy sand definitely consider using children's play sand! It's a nice natural colour and you can usually find up to 50lbs for under 10$.

 

[GreetedMussel44]

Definitely sand- they like to sift through it and gravel can hurt them unless it's super smooth and fine. If you're looking to buy sand definitely consider using children's play sand! It's a nice natural colour and you can usually find up to 50lbs for under 10$.

Alright, thanks !

 

[Crispii]

You can keep Corydoras in gravel, but the gravel needs to be smooth with no sharp edges. Of course, you can definitely keep them in any sand substrate.

 

[Invicitus]

For Corydoras I would definitely recommend sand, and black would really make the colours stand out.

 

[Donthemon]

Pool sand! It is cleaner than play sand. Still need to rinse it before putting in tank.

 

[nj278]

I agree with the sand! My corys absolutely love digging around in it. The only thing is if you get a lighter colour it can quite quickly get covered in debris and appear dirty so it needs to be vacuumed quite thoroughly.

 

[Jerome O'Neil]

The only thing is if you get a lighter colour it can quite quickly get covered in debris and appear dirty so it needs to be vacuumed quite thoroughly.

I consider that a feature, not a bug. I want to be able to see where I need to vacuum. I don't want it to look clean, I want it to be clean.

Black will make your fish look better, though.