What would be best for both plants and a cory?

Hi! I'm new to aquariums and this forum so hopefully I chose the correct place to post this. Currently I am cycling my 10 gallon freshwater tank. I would like to add plants in my tank, and would like to know a few things.

- What would be the best for plants/ safest for a cory?
- Should I add plants before or after cycling my aquarium? I am doing a fishless cycle and adding ammonia myself.
- What are some good starter plants? As stated above my aquarium is 10 gallons.

I already researched lighting for plants and purchased a good option for easy - medium plants but probably not good enough for trickier advanced level plants.

I am keeping my water temperature in a range of 78 - 80.

Thank you!

 

Welcome to the forum

Unfortunately, corys are shoaling fish that need to be in a group of at least 6+ of their own species and a 10 gallon is not enough room for them.

What kind of lighting are you planning? Some good beginner plants are water wisteria, anacharis, crypts, bacopa caroliniana, anubias and java ferns.

Here's a good stocking thread for a list of compatible fish in a 10g

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/stocking-list-for-10-gallons.207629/

 

-Cories are the sweetest thing you can get, they are not aggressive against plants. May be some small rooted plants will get uprooted before rooting, they like to scavenge all over the substrate.

-Add plants from the beginning they will consume some of your ammonia too. Also the plants may have beneficial bacteria on them, its a win win.

-Its always good to start planting heavily from the beginning. Best plants to start with there are lot, I am no expert to list that. Buy a 10 gallon beginners package which will be worth for the money you pay.

 

Awww, really?! :'( That's a shame.
Thanks, I'll start with those plants.
Would you know a good substrate to have in my tank that is also gentle for my betta?

My LFS and a petco employee told me not to add the plants to my uncycled tank, but after browsing through this site for a few hours I was skeptical.
I'll get the plants before my tank is finished cycling then! Which will be a while.

 

I think bettas will do fine with either gravel or sand. I've seen people keep both with no issues so it's really personal preference.

You can add plants at any time.. before, during or after a cycle finishes.

 

Gravel is not so good for Cory's. When I was in the hobby about 20 years ago, I didn't know this but I just got back into it and found that gravel can cause Cory's to break their barbs. I've since moved to a sand substrate and they are much happier. They can sift through the sand much easier for their food also. With gravel, the food particles sink into the gravel.