cory's in a planted tank

[ellagor]

I am going to be setting up a 29 gallon planted aquarium within the next few months, and am planning on stocking it with a small group of corys. The focal point of the tank will be a pair of dwarf cichlids (probably apistos). Because the tank will be planted, I am going to be using flourite as the substrate, in order to provide the plants with Fe. My question is this: Does anyone have any experience with this substrate for corys? It seems to me as though it is a bit jagged, and might irritate the corys barbells. Should I attempt to top the flourite with a layer of a finer and more rounded sand, or will that just settle through the more coarse flourite over time. Also, how large of a group of corys would you recommend for this size tank? The only other bottom feeding fish will be a few oto cats. Thank you for any help and advice on this topic.

[Jeff B.]

Granulation of the substrate can be with no problem 2-3mm, i have in my tank such substrate and it is fine, barbells are as long as it should be
I recommend c.schwartzi or c.agasizzi or c.kanei OR c.rabauti or.... this can go on forever...

[Beersnob]

I am going to be setting up a 29 gallon planted aquarium within the next few months, and am planning on stocking it with a small group of corys. The focal point of the tank will be a pair of dwarf c*****ds (probably apistos). Because the tank will be planted, I am going to be using flourite as the substrate, in order to provide the plants with Fe. My question is this: Does anyone have any experience with this substrate for corys? It seems to me as though it is a bit jagged, and might irritate the corys barbells. Should I attempt to top the flourite with a layer of a finer and more rounded sand, or will that just settle through the more coarse flourite over time. Also, how large of a group of corys would you recommend for this size tank? The only other bottom feeding fish will be a few oto cats. Thank you for any help and advice on this topic.

I have two pygmy Cories, 6 San Juan (corydoras Bilantinus), and have not had a problem with the fluorite or the health of these cories. The otos will be ok - they really never hit bottom, but you may loose some plants! Just make sure that the ciclids are not mean in general or could possibly eat the otos!

Scott

[ellagor]

Thanks for the advice guys!

I just wanted to make sure that I wouldn't be getting any substrate that would make the corys uncomfortable. The cichlids will be small and will be of no threat to their tank inhabitants.

And by the way, I share your love of great beer Beersnob!