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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.

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...

ellagor wrote: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

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!