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hi all,

what is the most suitable substrate material for Corydoras spawning tanks? I would like to set up a series of 20 or so tanks for my corys, all on the same rack and was wondering what the best set up would be.

I currently use bare bottom tanks painted black on the botton and back. Is that sufficient or should I add some sort of substrate?

Thanks
Ralph

Hi!

No substrate is the easiest to clean so i think your setup is the best choice.

Thanks Caol_ila,

I like barebottom tanks, partially because that is what I am used to. I raise mostly show bettas and for grow-outs we always use barebottom tanks since it's much easier to clean.

I wasn't sure though if the corys would prefer substrated tank. I was looking through Ian Fuller's pictures and noticed that he had substrate in his tanks.

I haven't been too succesful breeding Corydoras so far, partially because i don't have the rack set up for them yet and they are in my main fishroom which is too warm for them. Hopefully I can finish building the wracks and move them soon.

Thanks
Ralph

All my breeding tanks have a sand or very fine gravel substrate, I don't like clinical setups. Sand is a natural substrate for Cory's and I think they are happier on it. What ever you use make sure it is smoot grained and not sharp and gritty.

Ian

Hi Ian, do you use any type of smooth sand, or particular forms? I was not sure because most of the sand that I have are for my African cichlid tanks which usually alters the water chemistry.... does that matter? I guess a rather stupid question, as i know it does, but do corys not prefer more soft and acidic water? I think adding sand would cause the water to become a harder and more alkaline? Thanks--ralph

Yes, you don't wan't to use your chalk-sand for Tanganika/Malawi's. Also a bad idea to use sand from the beach. Both can make alkalinity hit the roof.

Ask a well assortet pet-store for river sand. You can get a 25 kg bag quite cheap, and thats almost enough for 20 small breeding tanks

Grain size imo maximum 2 mm - I prefer really fine sand (River sand mentioned is really fine), but to fine can be a problem when using a strong current.