What's the best bottom dweller substrate out there?

[vialznk]

Hi AA

I have a half year old 29g SE Asian planted biotope tank with 6 harlequin rasboras so far. I am stocking VERY slowly and right now I just have red volcano Eco Complete as substrate (btw the plants are absolutely flourishing in it. No pun intended ) I also love bottom dwellers! This whole time I've felt that something's missing in my tank.I plan to have it as a community SE Asian and I want to add a thin layer of bottom dweller substrate.
So I was wondering what do the guys at AA usually use for bottom dweller friendly substrate?

PS: I am particularly interested in red color substrate to reflect the iron rich rivers of Thailand, but any input is very appreciated. It'll give me ideas for future tanks

 

[adeebm]

What bottom dwellers are you thinking of? I haven't had problems using eco complete with my corys or BN pleco. As long as it's not sharp or rough, it should be okay.

--Adeeb

 

[vialznk]

Well this is a SE Asian biotope and it's a 29 gallon. So I was thinking some dwarf loaches or kuhli loaches. They're small enough to be a school in a tank that small. Besides I've heard that loaches have very sensitive bottoms so I don't want to gamble fish health with just putting them in my tank. My substrate is the Eco Complete volcanic version. It's a bit porous and looks very rough. Don't want to take any chances.

 

[vialznk]

Its CaribSea Floramax Volcanic Red to be precise.

 

[bruinsbro1997]

If you want khuli loaches pool filter sand is the way to go IMO.

 

[vialznk]

Well, I really don't want to put a prefilter on my fluval 305 tho, but I am not throwing out sand as a possible option.

Anyone else? You're welcome to opine.