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I'm planning a 10 gallon tank for one betta and a school of cories. I might plant it and I was wondering if flourite would be fine with the little guys. Also, can I gravel vacuum flourite in the same way I do normal gravel?

Does it matter what kind of cories I get? Since its just them and the betta I want to get a school of 6. Is there any special way I should design my tank for them? I have a big fake stump that I might put in there if it fits and doesnt take up too much room.

I'm not absolutely sure about the flourite, but I think that it is sharp. Sharp substrate tend to tear up cory barbels, so I don't know if cories would be right for your tank.

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

Thankfully the tank is still in the planning stage! How can I tell if the gravel will be too sharp? I can't just open the bags at the petstore plus what feels dull to me might be sharp to them, right?

So without the flourite I cant plant too many plants. Will they be happy without them?

Fluorite's definitely not too sharp; I've had dozens of cories on it, all with lovely barbels.


Plus - the research of late is that what erodes barbels has little or nothing to do with gravel sharpness. It's usually nitrates, bacteria, and other assorted factors of bad water quality, which is generally worst at substrate level.

Think of it this way - how much pressure does it takes to cut yourself on a dull knife? How much pressure would it take with a piece of Fluorite? Now, do you think that a cory - a fish that can get stuck in java moss - has that kind of force available to him?

-Molly
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Any type of gravel would be okay with them, they shouldn't have any sharp edges.

How about Eco-Complete?

[link=http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9087&N=2004+113553]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9087&N=2004+113553" style="COLOR: #C000C0[/link]

I'm not sure if it alters pH that would normally be in your area with the black water extract. You can always rinse it. However, I'm not sure if it is sharp or not. Maybe someone in the Planted Tank forum knows???

Oh,ok. So flourite it is then!

Last edited by pippin at 19-Dec-2004 16:18

Okay then, I guess the substrate will be fine.

It really doesn't matter what kind you get, though a smaller species (such as pandas) would be best. You do only have limited space.

As for the tank setup, cories don't need a lot. Some plants and hiding places are all they need, besides open swimming space. They are pretty hardy and undemanding fish.

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

Sounds good! It'll be a while before I get to do the tank but I can't wait!