View Full Version : cory substrate question
halfmoonplakat
12-05-2009, 12:06 PM
do corydoras absolutely need substrate- eg sand, gravel
in order to thrive and possibly breed?
just wondering
thanks :)
I am by no means an expert. But, I will say that I have 6 corys (since January) and I use river pebble gravel you can buy in almost any pet store--in fact, in my area it is the only substrate choice. My corys have had eggs three times (in fact, today the female is laying eggs) and currently I am nursing a group of 30 cory fry. I'm sure there are folks who have more experience who can provide further input.
Born4spd
12-05-2009, 4:35 PM
The substrate has little to do with the cory's barbels.
It has more to do with water quality and the amount of muck you allow to buildup in the substrate.
I recommend sand only because it is easier to see the crud and the cories love to stick their little faces in it while foraging.
Sand and Water Changes and your cories will provide hours of entertainment and maybe some more cories ;)
halfmoonplakat
12-05-2009, 5:52 PM
Sorry, maybe I wasn't clear, but I was wondering if corydoras catfish NEED substrate, or if they can thrive just as well on a bare tank bottom
halfmoonplakat
12-06-2009, 6:19 PM
cory cat people?
msjinkzd
12-06-2009, 7:01 PM
no they don't
DLV082
12-06-2009, 7:04 PM
no they don't
Agreed. But I think they are happier with something to rumage through.
msjinkzd
12-06-2009, 7:11 PM
i agree, they do like smooth substrates, fine sand/smooth pebbles etc. But they certainly don't need it to be happy
zzyzx85
12-06-2009, 7:14 PM
they should be fine with no substrate, though I think you may not get the full colors.