Sand size

Tobah · Post by **Tobah** » 05 Jun 2007, 09:00

I was wondering if there is sand that would be TOO fine grained to use in a cory tank? I purchased some today but it seems extremely fine to me. I wanted to make sure that I didn't use it if it was going to be a problem i.e ingesting etc... Thanks in advance! I love this board

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 05 Jun 2007, 10:56

Unless it's extremely fine dust, I wouldn't worry about it. They are fine with anything that you'd ever call sand. If the grains are like dust, then it's not sand, right? [If you know what cement is like, that's the grains you don't want - or clay dust].

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Mats

Tobah · Post by **Tobah** » 05 Jun 2007, 11:24

hmm....it is kind of dusty. When you get some on your fingers you can feel the fine grains though. So it is definately a sand but might be too fine for the little guys

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 05 Jun 2007, 11:31

No, it isn't. You'll find out that Corys (and other diggers) actually love that kind of sand. Don't be afraid of fishes choking on it, because it doesn't happen. When one of my Akysis buries itself into it, you'll see a cloud of sand floating in the water which slowly falls back to the bottom. Just try it. Your Corys will be very pleased and so will their barbels

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MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 05 Jun 2007, 11:41

Just make sure you rinse the sand first, if it's that dusty. It takes quite a few rinses before the silt that comes with sand "disappears", despite any claims from the "bagger" that it's been cleaned.

I find the best way is to do about 1/4 of a bucket of sand, then fill the bucket nearly to the brim, stir the sand [I use my hands, but a ladle or similar will also work] so that the water goes cloudy, leave it for a few seconds to let the actual sand settle back on the bottom of the bucket, and drain off as much water as possible without draining the sand (there will be a SMALL amount of sand draining off, it's almost impossible to avoid). Repeat until the water is clear when the sand settles. It will take at least 5-6 times befor it's clear, in my experience - but that's a guide-line, if it takes three or ten, that's how many you need to do.

The better you do this, the less clouding you will have when you actually fill the tank with water on the sand substrate. There will amost certainly be a little bit of clouding, even if you think the sand is really clean.

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Mats

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 05 Jun 2007, 11:52

The sand I'm referring to still seems "dirty" even after 15 rinses. It just takes a little longer for the grains to settle, so bear in mind that your tank looks cloudy for 1 or 2 days.

Tobah · Post by **Tobah** » 05 Jun 2007, 15:38

Thanks for the replies! I bought the sand with their barbels in mind and then started second guessing myself. I have used sand in the past with various tanks but nothing I have ever used has been this fine.

I will give it a shot since it appears that "too fine" will not be an issue.

Now the big decision...which corys to put in the tank

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 05 Jun 2007, 15:43

How about C. davidsandsi?

NEONCORY · Post by **NEONCORY** » 05 Jun 2007, 17:02

I think most corys do not have the subtrate that is too fine for them. I believe some even live in the muddy substrate. And if you look them when they are kept with fine enough sands, they shift/filter through the sands, take in from the mouth and expel from their gill plate, cheek, whatever you call that part of body.
I have sands for pool filter I believe. And they are pretty fine. And I see them filter. I also notice them twist or skid the sand with their body when I think they are excited. It looks like flashing. If some other fish is doing I would worry for the ick but when the cory do that I know they are excited.
Anyway, I think as long as the water doesn't take too long to clear up after you set the tank. Like someone mentioned, it probably take for a while to settle down in the beginning but after a while they shouln't take too long for sand to settle down. And your filter should be good(strong enough or have good turn over ratio) and clear the water quick enough, I don't see any problem. Also longer you have the tank set up and do the vaccuming, the too fine dusty particles would siphone it away with each time you vaccume.

Tobah · Post by **Tobah** » 06 Jun 2007, 03:39

LOL good one Marc

I am thinking maybe 1/2" on depth.....or is that too deep to insure they keep it stirred up a bit? Sorry about being such a pest with this but thanks SO much to you guys for the advice!

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 06 Jun 2007, 09:39

Tobah wrote:I am thinking maybe 1/2" on depth

I'd say that a little more than 1" (about 3 cms) should be enough for the reason you already mention.
You could always thicken the layer on spots where you want to place plants if needed.