FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I also do not subscribe to the theory of substrate causing barbel erosion. Back to the topic at hand-sand can compact not allowing roots to grow-the spaces in gravel allow that. That said, it also depends on the type of plant, and even the type of sand used.

Are we all still propagating the myth that substrates like Flourite will erode away the barbel's of cories?

If so my Paleatus and Aeneus cories beg to differ. Nearly 10 months now with them on flourite - ALL have very healthy barbels. Prior to that, I had that generic gravel from Petsmart, which is by no means smooth... No barbel erosion.

What I find interesting is that gravel is always pointed to as the culprit for barbel erosion. Why, I ask? How do you know? Aquariums are complex environments... Barbel erosion could be attributed to SEVERAL things, such as illness or infection. If it was symptomatic of so-called "rough" or "sharp" gravel, then my cories would not have any barbels.

Many of the planted tank folks have either Flourite or Eco Complete substrates with cories and have not had problems. It's time to dispell the myth. The logic behind accusing the substrate of eroding cory barbels is flawed. Everyone wants to have an easy answer or solution to a problem, but I suspect that this issue is not so simple to solve.

[span class="edited"][Edited by EdgarFanCLS 2004-07-28 09:12][/span]

Cories seem to like sand best, but any kind of gravel that isn't sharp would be fine for the little guys.

---

And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Either gravel or sand substrates are fine, but if using gravel, make sure it isn't too coarse so the Corys can move it around.

And, whatever substrate you adopt, make sure it has rounded particles. Sharp edged substrates will slice off the poor Cory's barbels!

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

anchor your plants in the sand with plant weights!

Cories prefer sand & that's what i've got for my Cory tank.

I would ask this (How do plants go in sand?) question in the Plant section.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/
Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

Hi,

I have just got a new 20 gla tank and am considering the set-up. It will be medium to heavily planted and I want a school of cories and a school of rasboras and perhaps a few ottos.

Would sand be the best substrate for me to choose? How do plants go in sand?

erm... fish poo

okay, for the record.

Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 0ppm

Would the cories be succeptible to barbel damage through transport, and then a new home?

I.e. a decent dose of stress??

Also anyone care to discuss this mulm issue?

Damage through transport? Maybe. I read somewhere that cories and other catfishes shouldn't be moved w/ a net, because the barbels may get caught in the mesh. I guess anything could irritate the barbels, not just nets.