Thinking About Stocking New Tank

[Derek2011]

I am currently cycling my tank (48" x 12" x15") and am planning what/how to introduce fish. As I am a returner after many years away I don't want anything exotic, but was planning a couple of dwarf gouramis, a few kuhli loaches and a shoal (10 or so) of neon tetras.

I have read that the dwarf gouramis like a fairly well planted tank so I was wondering, should I plant the tank up first and then introduce the fish? I guess that would also give the plants a while to get established before the loaches dig around in the sand? But, how do I keep the filter well stocked with bacteria, as I guess the plants will soak up any added ammonia/nitrites before there are any fish replenishing it?

Or, should I put the fish in first and then the plants? But will the gouramis settle in an unplanted tank? And then they and the others will have the stress of having me mess around planting all the plants!

 

[Kelly-Jo]

Put in a few plants, enough so that the fish can hide if they want to and add more plants along with the fish. You can always increase the plant numbers afterwards. The fish should be fine with you planting in the tank as long as you're not splashing around like a lunatic

You could always keep adding a little food to the tank so that some ammonia can build up as it breaks down before you add the fish, but don't overdo it.

 

[minnnt]

Neons preffer a mature tank from my experience mate, so possibly not a good addition until it has had other fish in for a few months after the cycle. Have you considered Harlequin Rasbora's? Very hardy and would make a good addition to a newly cycled tank. Buy the plants on the same day as you plan to buy your first fish (es) then you won't damage the cycled filter media. The plants will rely on the waste of the fish to survive, but adding plants in a cycle can play havoc with ammonia and nitrite/nitrate levels. Once settled in then add the next fish and so on. If DG's are on your list add them last as they will more than likely be the most aggressive fish on your list.