Hmmm... we may need a little more info like your lighting.
If you really like cories, why not try doing a cory tank?
In the book 'The Natural Aquarium' they used patches of Echinodorus Quadricostatus (I spell correctly) around the tank, so there is bare gravel and patches here and there which the cories swim through like a maze. It's quite nice. Since 4ft, you could do your tank longgitudinal, meaning one side crowded with tall plants and then a whole big bare patch of E.Quad. If you've ever been to Sam Yick in Marine Parade and see their hair grass tank, similar style.
Lonestar gravel does fine, with the cories I have had before, doesn't seem to harm, if you want it darker or more earthy, you can buy pure black gravel and mix it in. But I do not know how it'll look.
Cycling can take a week or two. 3 days after I set up my new tank, I added in 100 greeneyes, no problem, I was just lucky.
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