What Order To Add Fish? (neons & Cories)

[lm118]

Hi, I've got a 70 litre fish tank which I am currently cycling.

I think I know what fish I want in my tank, but just wanted to know what order you guys think I should put them in.

I I want maybe 8 neon tetra and 6 cories, I've picked these fish because they're peaceful (I previously had a few fish who fought and it was a nightmare), and small (I don't want to overstock the tank).

But both these fish are better being introduced to an established tank aren't they? I'm cycling the tank with ammonia (and some mature media to speed it up), but I think an established tank means one that’s been running with fish in it for a few months doesn't it, not just cycled?

What would you do? I think I'd be tempted to put the neons in first if I had to, as they're less expensive. Does anyone else have any ideas?

Also, these fish like soft water and our water is hard, any advice on this?

Thanks!

 

[techen]

There's no way to alter you're PH level, Well there is but it isn't worth it and you'll have to just stick to what you have. Neons will get used to the hard water but the corys will do fairly well if not okayish but they do love soft water.

I'd add any of them into the tank first, It matters not. Just make sure to add a small number at a time, don't rush things

 

[DrSlackBladder]

I have both corys and neons in my 100 l which finished fishless cycling end of October; the corys were the second addition after the white skirt tetras, and the neons most recent, just over a week ago. I'd read more about neons preferring established tanks than corys, so that was my choice. My pH is around 7.6, and all is well...! As Techen said, do it gradually, whichever way you do it.

 

[lm118]

Thanks for the replies! do you think i could add all the cories at once or would that be too much? I know they like being in groups but i don't want to overload the filter

 

[DrSlackBladder]

I assume you're fishless cycling your tank/filter with ammonia solution? If you regard your cycle as complete when your filter converts 3-4 ppm ammonia through nitrite to nitrate within 12 hrs, then you can theoretically fully stock your tank (after a big water change to reduce nitrate to <20ppm); there will be sufficient bacteria to cope with the ammonia produced by your fish. I added 6 peppered corys in one go, and tested water every day for a few days after the addition to ensure there was no ammonia or nitrite spike. If there would have been a spike, then daily 50% pwc's to keep ammonia and nitrite close to zero would have been in order.

 

[Tuxyu3]

Softening water can be achieved by using peat (must be proper peat mind) in the filter, this can be difficult to maintain and if the pH swings rapidly while the fish are in there then it will cause them to go into shock and die. I only recommend this method where it is entirely necessary (delicate fish or breeding) and it is not necessary here, so don't worry about it. If you really want to do it you could always buy an RO unit and filter your water through that to bring the pH down but this too can be a hassle due to the fact it will cost quite a bit of cash, will need to be fitted, supplements will need to be used in the water it produces and it takes time to filter the water through.

Which fish you add first comes down to what you feel is best, i personally would add the Neons but that is just because they tend to be hardy where i am (higher quality stock, i imagine) and i know it is not the case in many other places.