Almost got it sorted out

[perfectgravity]

So i'm currently cycling a 29G tank. It will be planted and is running an AC70.

I have this in mind:

2 Bolivian RAM (Microgeophagus altispinosa) -- 75-80F
10 Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi) -- 72-78F
6 Panda Corydoras -- 69-75F
2 Zebra Snails -- 72-78F

Questions:

1. The temp ranges (found online, may not be accurate) seem to indicate that 75F would be the appropriate temperature for my setup. Correct?
2. Is the tank over/under stoked?
3. My PH is 7.6 is that okay for these fish?
4. What is the first fish that I should add after the cycle?
5. Are 2 Zebra Snail enough to help with Algae, can I add more? Or is there a better snail?

[imma24]

So i'm currently cycling a 29G tank. It will be planted and is running an AC70.

I have this in mind:

2 Bolivian RAM (Microgeophagus altispinosa) -- 75-80F
10 Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi) -- 72-78F
6 Panda Corydoras -- 69-75F
2 Zebra Snails -- 72-78F

Questions:

1. The temp ranges (found online, may not be accurate) seem to indicate that 75F would be the appropriate temperature for my setup. Correct?
2. Is the tank over/under stoked?
3. My PH is 7.6 is that okay for these fish?
4. What is the first fish that I should add after the cycle?
5. Are 2 Zebra Snail enough to help with Algae, can I add more? Or is there a better snail?

1. I have a similar stocking in my tank (except for the Ram) - I keep my tank at 78
2. That stocking sounds good
3. Your pH is fine - just make sure to slowly acclimate all the fish before putting them into the tank - however, if you are getting your fish from a local place, you might not even need to do that if the store has the same pH as you.
4. I don't know how helpful snails are with algae - what you want to aim for is avoiding algae to begin with - you will probably end up with diatoms (new tank algae) which looks brownish and wipes off things easily and wont' last long but as long as you don't keep your lights on forever and don't overfeed, you might not even get algae in your tank
5. Oops - forgot order of introduction - I know the corydoras go in last - neons will probably do OK being 1st but I'm not sure about the Rams - not familiar with them

[steeler1]

+1 good points especialy putting the Cories in last, Maybe put the Rams in 2nd to last?

[ijankrom]

+1 to all that has been mentioned.

As for under/over stocking, that will all pretty much depend on you and filtration system.
Look at the following thread by another user and you will understand. http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=30940

Many variables come into play to determine if you're overstocked; understocked is irrelevant.

[ameliaaahx]

I would probably put the rams in last and the cories second to last. Otherwise the cories might be a little picked on as the rams will have already made their territories. Just something to consider. :)

[perfectgravity]

+1 to all that has been mentioned.

As for under/over stocking, that will all pretty much depend on you and filtration system.
Look at the following thread by another user and you will understand. http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=30940

Many variables come into play to determine if you're overstocked; understocked is irrelevant.

Thanks that was very informative.

To answer the questions:
Filter: AC 70, Up to 70 Gal, 250Gal/hour
Plants: Yes, medium amount
Tank: 29 Gal
Water Change: Not sure, I assumed once a week?

That should still keep my setup healthy and thriving right?

[~firefly~]

I'd up the number of neons to 20.

I don't agree with adding fish gradually if you have fishlessly cycled (using 4ppm of ammonia initially). If you have properly cycled the tank you can fully stock the tank from day 1.

I believe that adding gradually after the cycle merely causes some of the BB to die off - then you're back into fish-in cycling territory when you add more.

Just my opinion.

[ijankrom]

Water Change: Not sure, I assumed once a week?

That should still keep my setup healthy and thriving right?

Again too many variables to give you a straight up answer. Frequency and % for water change will be determined on your water parameters and needs. You're shooting for 0ppm ammonia 0ppm nitrite and below 20ppm nitrate. If you don't plan on having live plants and don't like the site of algae, you'll want to keep the nitrates around 5ppm (0ppm for nitrates doesn't exist). Everyone's water change schedule is different and changes from time to time. You need to test your water, more often in a unestablished tank. Take a look at this site regarding the importance of water testing. http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/wa...tertesting.htm

[steeler1]

I agree with firefly on the number of Neons, they will not add that much to your bio-load and the bigger the school the happier they will be.