corys and substrate

[omplmpa3]

I love my corys, and their tank currently has sand as the substrate, thus their barbells are amazing and they are very happy. But I really like plants. Right now I am just growing vals and java fern due to the fact that I cannot find anything else to thrive in a sand substrate. Can anyone suggest a substrate or combination of substrates that will allow plants to flourish while keeping the corys barbells in great shape? I would like to grow plants that require a moderate amount of light. And I would like to avoid CO2 for the time being, I'm not that brave yet. Is it possible or am I asking too much?

Thank You

 

[Virtuoso2K12]

Try Anubuis on driftwood.

 

[rocker92]

i think there are many plants that prefer sand over gravel. i would stay with sand and do more research on what plants like sand.....are u using ferts at all if not they will help with ur plants!!! good luck!!!!

 

[jpappy789]

possibly something like Eco complete...should be fine for the corys

 

[DAVIDFBT]

You could try Dwarf hairgrass, it grows in sand and doesn't need CO2.

 

[omplmpa3]

I am using Flourish 2x a week. And I will try the Anubuis on driftwood, I do have a lot of driftwood.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[omplmpa3]

Hairgrass, excellent! Thanks!

 

[jpappy789]

What have you tried so far? Anubias, crypts, etc should all work just fine. Stick to low-med light plants and you shouldn't need co2...

 

[omplmpa3]

I thought crypts needed something more substantail for their roots? My LFS has some really nice wendtii in stock, maybe I'll give them a try.

 

[jpappy789]

Not really. I have some growing in about 2" worth of gravel and sand shouldn't be any different...it's worth a try.