Need large gravel recommendations for clown loaches

[fabsroman]

I am using flourite in a planted tank that has clown loaches in it. I have read places that flourite can be bad for the loaches because over time it wears down the loaches' barbels. I know sand is the preferred substrate for loaches based upon what I read, but it would all end up sifting to the bottom in a tank with flourite and then I would be back to square one.

So, what smooth type of large gravel is out there that I can put on top of the flourite to make the loaches a little more comfortable and ensure that the flourite will always remain below the gravel?

[67chevelle]

Home Depot or a local landscape shop should have some larger grade river rock.This is a much cheaper way to buy substrate.Just make sure to rinse it well before adding it to your tank.

[fabsroman]

What size pieces of river rock am I looking for? I guess any type of river rock that is generally smooth and larger than the flourite would be better than the flourite on the clowns, am I correct?

[67chevelle]

I know Home Depot sells several different grades,and you are correct,anything larger than the flourite will work just fine.Your biggest concern should be that it be very smooth,rather than the size of the pebbles,IMO.I do not keep clowns myself,but do keep cories,and with my experience with them,smoother is better.

[PsyKick]

fluorite black sand?

[fabsroman]

I'll use the flourite black sand when I do a tank upgrade from the 75 to a 240, but I don't want to go through the hassle right now of tearing my tank down and redoing everything. When I bought the clowns, I had no idea that the substrate would be an issue, and I know it is bad research on my part.