What should I use, fine gravel or sand?

I have a 20 gal community tank with 7 corydoras, ghost and cherry shrimp. (and other fish) also have mormino balls, java fern, amazon sword and something else. Which is better for the my bottom feeders? Also which is easier to maintain? I was either going to do black fine gravel or sand. ( I have the black fine gravel in now but might do sand) what is everyone’s opinion?

 

Sand is easier I think. Debris doesn't soak into the cracks so it can be sucked out easier with a skI'm siphon. Most of the time, detrirus gets pushed into a corner. I prefer to use Pool Filter Sand over play sand though because it has a larger grain. I also have pea gravel that I use in places over the sand because I like the look and it helps to hold down plants better.

 

What is pea gravel?

 

What is pea gravel?

Gravel pieces the size of peas. Regular aquarium gravel.

 

Gravel pieces the size of peas. Regular aquarium gravel.

Ok, thanks! I’m going to use sand in the 55G I’ll start setting up once I get the stand together, I like the look better than gravel, and it makes Cory cats happier. I like lots of plants. I just never heard aquarium gravel called pea gravel before!

 

I'm Canadian, maybe that's it lol! Just to let you know though, some sand is too light and the siphon will pick it up, but PFS is a little heavier and still looks great For a black color, you might have to go for CarribSea sand (a little pricey compared to PFS, but for a smaller tank, not a huge deal.

 

Ok thank you everybody!

 

Oh just to make sure you knew, java fern gets tied to hardscape, the rhizome cannot be buried. Also for the amazon sword, it would appreciate a root tab.

 

Oh just to make sure you knew, java fern gets tied to hardscape, the rhizome cannot be buried. Also for the amazon sword, it would appreciate a root tab.

That’s what I’ve been doing, but thanks! Got to take care of those plants!

 

Sand for the cories they like to push it around! Somtimes ours lie on their sides and flap their tails - then turn around to see what they've uncovered....

 

Aw

Sand for the cories they like to push it around! Somtimes ours lie on their sides and flap their tails - then turn around to see what they've uncovered....

Aww that’s adorable!

 

For black sand you can use Black Diamond blasting sand. I got mine at Tractor Supply, it was $8 for a 50lb bag. It comes in two grades, I used the coarser of the two.

 

Wow! Great tank! Looks sharp!

 

Wow! Great tank! Looks sharp!

I didn't mention it because many people think it is too sharp for cories and it requires a lot of rinsing, but in fact it is ok for cories. Lots of folk have used it with cories, no problem. Just have to look it up online, lots of accounts. Still for a 20g, I might just buy a bag of sand at the LFS.

Here's a link to read about it
The Honest Truth About Black Diamond Blasting Sand Safety in Aquarium | Aquanswers

 

I didn't mention it because many people think it is too sharp for cories and it requires a lot of rinsing, but in fact it is ok for cories. Lots of folk have used it with cories, no problem. Just have to look it up online, lots of accounts. Still for a 20g, I might just buy a bag of sand at the LFS.

Here's a link to read about it
The Honest Truth About Black Diamond Blasting Sand Safety in Aquarium | Aquanswers

Lol not on that way. I meant as in sharp as “looks good” haha.

 

Lol not on that way. I meant as in sharp as “looks good” haha.

Oh lol! Ok, well now you know it's safe for cories

 

Haha thanks for the suggestion! I added it to my list to look into. you’re all good