Substrate for Corys and Loaches

[Scott Stevenson]

Im starting my first ever tank and I want to get some corys and Khuli loaches. Will it be a serious sin to use pea gravel instead of sand?

[lefty o]

pea gravel is fine for cory's. as long as it doesnt have sharp edges, it doesnt matter. as for the loaches, i have no idea what they like.

[Isaac M]

Hi @Scott Stevenson, pea gravel is fine for both as long as it is smooth. 
 

I will attach a link below to care guides for kuhli loaches by Aquarium Co-op.

 

https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/care-guide-for-kuhli-loaches

 

[CorydorasEthan]

Although I have nothing against pea gravel, I personally would do sand as Corydoras and loaches both are natural sand-sifting fish. They prefer being on sand. This being said, pea gravel will also work fine, given that it does not have sharp edges and is small enough so that the food doesn't fall too far down in the cracks. A bonus for the pea gravel is that you can grow plants a lot easier.