60L Tank Stock

[rossyk]

Hi all. Just a quick couple of questions about stocking. I have a nearly cycled 60L tank (which I'm not adding more stock to until I'm sure it's ready). As a un-read newbie I was persuaded to have fish in the tank while is was cycling. Thankfully I've had no fatalities and am being vigilant about daily water testing and changes if necessary. All occupants seems happy and healthy at the moment.
 
Anyway, I currently have 6 small glowlight tetras, 4 amano shrimp and a bunch of live plants. I was wondering about the stock limit for my tank - my daughter would like to get a few guppies and I'd like some small bottom feeding fish to finish off the tank (when it's cycled). Does anyone have any idea how many guppies and what sort of bottom feeder would be suitable? 

 

[the_lock_man]

I'd go for 6 Corydorus Habrosus or Corydoras Hastatus, and 4-5 guppies.
 
Alternatively, 6 Panda Corydoras and 2-3 guppies.
 
I wouldn't go for anything bigger than a Panda in terms of cories, and I don't think any of the Plec-type catfish would be suitable - all the small ones (that I can think of, at any rate) like their water pretty darn cold - certainly too cold for guppies. And they take up too much filter capacity

 

[rossyk]

Thanks! I forgot to say that I have normal gravel substrate - would this affect the type of bottom feeder fish to get? I was hoping that my glowlights would be more interested in any excess food that hit the bottom, but once it's down, they have no interest! 

 

[the_lock_man]

All bottom feeders really need a sand substrate, but so long as your gravel has no sharp edges, it should be fine.