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My tank doesnt look good so i want to get some advice. I want to know what gravel looks the best. I have panda and dainty cories. What gravel should I change it to. At the minute it is a mix of white and black, which will bring out the cories colour more ? I have to fake green plants, and a terrcota pot. Also if I do change gravel how would I do it with the fish in the tank ? I need help plz I want either natural, black or white gravel ? what should I do ?

P.S I want to kinda have a sand part and a gravel part and base it slightly on the amazon where corys are from.



Last edited by LEE_WILMOT_706 at 25-Apr-2005 13:42

I would recommend some large smooth stones from a hardware store (make sure they're smooth...the ones I found are about the size of a golfball or a little bigger)...then make the entire tank have about half as much sand as you would normally need (about 30 lbs for a 55, 20 lbs for a 40, etc.) then mix the stones in with that substrate. The random setting of the stones and sand will be rather lifelike...

As for the fish, remove them first, then do it...

PM/email/msg me if you have any questions/comments regarding me or my knowledge or if you want me to read a thread.

Go with natural looking sand, the Corydoras will love it.
First remove the fish & then change the gravel with sand.
Remember to wash & rinse the sand as much as you can. The more you rinse it, the better.


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I believe I've read somewhere that sand (especially the finer grains) isn't the best substrate for the smaller corys, you may want to check that out before changing.
Also take plenty of care when washing the sand and when you change your substrate. The process must be done gradually (keeping some of the old substrate in a shallow container) to prevent a minicycle.

^_^


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It only hurts when I breathe"

I'd say go with the natural color, but that's all opinion. I got some small stone years ago for my 10g, and it would work pretty well for cories... small, round, natural colored stones, about the size of normal gravel. I just can't remeber if it came from the LFS or Home Depot... The round stones will help keep the barbels intact.

To make it look more interesting, use iltat's suggestion of using larger stones. "River Rocks" can be found almost anywhere, and can come in all colors. A tip for that stuff- buy it at a craft store or even Walmart... at least half the price of the LFS (well, here in my neck of the woods).

Thanks guys 4 your help, I changed the tank Sunday and it all went well,i took the fish out, took out most of the old gravel, put in the new, changed things around a bit and then put a log in. It looks so cool, with the large stones in. Also the water was really, really mirky, but now its ok. The fish were ok, but one of the daintys went pale and colourless, but now hes ok !! Thanks guys

No problem! It's always nice to hear that some of the posts here helped. I actually owe all my fish's lives to this site.

If you get a chance, try and get some pictures of it.

Last edited by harleysiber at 02-May-2005 19:54