upgrading from 15 to 36 gallon tank, stocking ideas

[Mycomuse]

I am currently fishless cycling a 36 gallon tank, as an upgrade from my 15 gallon column. Eventually I will have moved over
8 reed/veilfin tetras
2 male plates
A pair of German blue rams

I was wondering what else I could put in to fill out the tank. I was thinking of adding a small school of pygmy cories to fill out the bottom, but I am unsure what to add to the middle/top. I want to keep everything from south/central america. Also I want everything to be small. I would love something that schools or has a lot of personality.

Ideas?

 

[PNWaquarist]

Dwarf Hatchetfish? Not super-tiny and not super-active, but definitely small and they're textbook top-dwellers.

Ember Tetras are tiny and I believe occupy the middle of the tank.

 

[Mycomuse]

I thought about ember tetras, they are the same size as the reed tetras, so I think if I got a school of tetras that size I would just get more reed tetras. Unfortunately, they seem to be tricky to find.

How many hatchets would I need for them to feel comfortable?

 

[PNWaquarist]

I thought about ember tetras, they are the same size as the reed tetras, so I think if I got a school of tetras that size I would just get more reed tetras. Unfortunately, they seem to be tricky to find.

True, but embers are a cool orange color. It might provide a nice contrast.

Neons are middle/bottom dwellers and stay pretty small.

How many hatchets would I need for them to feel comfortable?

You'll want six or more. Beware that they jump - your lid cannot have any gaps.