Question On Stock List

[cchris]

I just moved, and have a 55g setup and the cycle starting, im goingto pick up some live plants toput in it today to speed things up a bit.
My end result wish list for the stock is this:

3x dwarf gourami.
6 cherry barb (
6 harlequin rasbora (if i can find harlequins)
6 zebra danio (maybe black neons instead?)
6 panda cory
10 cardinal tetras (or neon if cant find cardinals)

my main question is: I have never ran without some sort of algae eater in there, should I add an oto or two? or just leave it as is?
also I could use some reccomendations on live plants as well.. nothing too big taking up the whole tank, but nice plants.
we are using red aquarium substrate.

 

[the_lock_man]

I'm not too good with envisaging stocking for tanks that are over 100l or so, but it looks to me like you could fit a shoal of 6 otos, plus up your shoal sizes a widgybit too.

 

[cchris]

hmm, you may be right. I got the list from another website, and liked it so i did a few modifications to it. its safe as is i suppose.. But yes, ill likely add to all numbers except the gourami. I dont know alot about them so I dont think i should add more than three for now.

 

[the_lock_man]

I agree on the Gouramis.

 

[leighton_87]

I'd also make sure you get one male and two females for the gourami

 

[cchris]

I'd also make sure you get one male and two females for the gourami

for sure, im looking into gourami species that have the most vibrant females, looks like ill stick with dwarf though. pearls are nice also

 

[Shelster]

I was also keen on ottos for my other tank, however have read that they prefer well established tanks as in 6 months plus.
Hence I am going to wait before I get mine, just food for thought

 

[JenJ]

hmm, you may be right. I got the list from another website, and liked it so i did a few modifications to it. its safe as is i suppose.. But yes, ill likely add to all numbers except the gourami. I dont know alot about them so I dont think i should add more than three for now.

I would focus on upping the cardinals - they'll look stunning in a big group