Loaches, plants, and substrate

[loachman]

So I am about to get 2 dojo loaches in a 30 gal. tank. I will also be adding a lot of plants to the tank. I was wondering what type of substrate I should get that would benefit the plants as well as providing something for the loaches to dig in. I've heard so many conflicting reports.

 

[WhiteDevil]

If you go to BayleesFishees - 40 lbs Baylee's Better Bottom Gravel (Powered by CubeCart)

it is fine for loaches and corydoras with the barbell issues and soft bellies but I have kuhllis,corydoras,yo-yo's and SAE's with this stuff and have NO issues, he does offer two grain sizes as well but its really good stuff and 100% fish safe, even FW rays

 

[loachman]

Thanks, would you recommend the sand or the gravel for the loaches?

 

[WhiteDevil]

I have the 3-5mm size with mine with no issues at all. I havnt tried the sand grain size yet but I do know he shipped 500# of it to new york state recently. 500#'s of the stuff it must be OK.
I dont worry about my loaches much, Ive had them on sand,eco-complete,river gravel,flourite ect with NO injuries at all, not even a scuffed barbell. But either grain of his will insure great plant growth and its burrower safe.

 

[loachman]

Thanks again. I'm new to the fishkeeping business and at all the other forums I could never get more than a one word answer.