Stocking Advice And Other Q.

[Xraymark]

So I'm optimistic that I will be cycled in a few weeks. Ammonia and nitrites clearing 4ppm just over 12 h. I had lost fish initially within 24h before cycling so i would like to phase the stocking.  Tank rio 180, actual volume 150 litres. Ph 6.6. 

The fish I am thinking of are

Tetras 10( either black neon or lime greens)
8 corys( bronze or sterbae)
5 neon rainbows
2 Bolivian rams
? Kuhlis

Any advice on numbers, compatibility of above.

Will these fish use all levels of tank I.e top, middle and bottom.

Also as I want a staggered stocking which fish first and time between adding more?

Cheers for any advice.

 

[Baccus]

Most of them should be ok together but I would be a bit weary of the rams, some people have had them nip out the eyes on cory's, I think more so when the rams are wanting to breed and are protecting the nesting area. Cory's have no idea about other fishes personal space and just think everyone is/ should be as friendly as they are. Khuli loaches are wonderful peaceful little fellas as well but like being in a large group as well as having plenty of plants and hidey holes. Depending on the overall length and breadth of your tank you could end up with to many bottom dwelling species, not that they will fight but premium space that the two groups would be wanting will put stress on them. Also cory's are more likely to scoff the best food before the khuli's even think about making a move on the food.

 

[Xraymark]

Yeah I was concerned with the Kuhli's there being too much activity on the bottom of the tank. Tank size is 101cm x 41cm x 50cm. Love to have them but maybe not.

With the rams maybe getting same sex would remove any aggressive tendencies. That or some gouramis maybe a better option.

 

[Baccus]

Personally I would go with gouramis but some individuals can be bullies even in the dwarf's (just like people I guess some are nice and easy going others are just beligerant) you could easily have some sparkling gouramis or croaking gouramis. I have a group of sparkling gouramis who where in with my cory's but got moved becuase they kept trying (and at times succeding) in eating my shrimp, the sparkling g's are now with guppies (I have soft water guppies with no added salts in the tank), bristle nose catfish, khuli loaches, some native rainbow fish and adult cherry shrimp. If you went the same sex for the rams I think you could only go two females as males would still want to stake out and defend a potential breeding site. Fish have no concept that a mate of their species wont happen along and will just keep doing what comes naturally. Some body with more experience with rams might be able to help more with regards to their temperments if kept single sexed.

 

[Xraymark]

Bumping.
Looking for specific advice on staggered stocking. I am processing 4ppm at moment and looking to stock this weekend but don't wont to add all my bio load. Thinking of adding

10 black neon tetra first week. 8 bronze Corey's second week. 5 neon rainbows and a pair of pearl gouramis third week

Does this seem okay or will my filter bacteria decrease if not fully stocked on day one?