neons in new tank?

[jiffy]

Well, I have posts all over this board that keep giving me info to look elsewhere for. Im waiting for my tank to finish its fishless cycle and was plannning what fish I am going to get once it is all cycled. Here is what I am planning

6 neon tetras
1 dwarf gourami
2 pygmy corys (most likely, but possibly a different bottom dweller)

My question for everyone here is this. Ive been told that neons need a very stable tank and that I should wait 2-3 months before adding them (my tank has been runnign a month already, but has only been cycling for 2 weeks). I have also been told that I should add neons before a dwarf gourami because if the neons are already there the dwarf gourami will leave them alone.

So, should I really wait that long to put in some neons, or can I just add 3, see how they do for a few days and then add 3 more, see how they do, and then add a dwarf gourami? Or better yet, what do you suggest I do?

 

[jonathanscottlee]

Neons are hardy - I added 7 to my 20 Gallon tank after 2 weeks of cycling (from new) and they're happy as ever.

 

[Lateral Line]

Farmed Neons are pretty tough with regard to pH and hardness, but have very poor tolerance to nitrogen poisoning, (ammonia, nitrite). The reason you'll see people saying they should go into tanks that have been running for months is because frequently, a "well cycled" tank, is not actually well cycled, it is a bit unstable.

If you are sure your tank is well cycled, then getting 3 then 3 more would seem a better bet then risking 6 for starters.

Dwarf gourami's are also a little sensitive, especially the line bred colours, they frequently get stressed out and sick in less then optimal conditions. It is a sad but true fact that many of them you see these days are riddled with TB and other bacteria just waiting for a chance to overwhelm the immune system.

Pygmy Corys, Corydoras pygmaeus, although "bottom dwellers", are actually one of the most active swimming Corys. If you were looking for something that spends the majority of it's time on the substrate, you may want to look for another species.

 

[maaudiosubs]

well 3 neons should be fine easey if its a 20 or bigger. then add 3 more. make sure u add slow so u dont cuase a ammonia spike or anything. but it sound like a nice set up.