Stocking Qs

[NinjaTetra]

Hi- I have a fairly new 37 gallon. I have done a fish in cycle with 4 black neon tetras, and about 3 weeks later with 0 ammonia and nitrites I will be adding 4 more black neons. Next will come either julii or pepper corydoras (7), and 6 marbled hatchetfish. However, I am unsure of the other fish. I originally wanted to do have some glass cats or rainbowfish as a centerpiece shoal, but decided against them because I want a sort of south american biotope. I then considered apistogrammas, but decided I wanted something that would range from top to bottom, as my other fish are layered. Pearl gouramis suit the purpose, but are asian and a pair would breed- something I do not want at this point. I then found that I could keep an angelfish, but I wouldn't be able to get small fish. I also originally planned on a school of cardinals, but angelfish apparently make snacks of them. What I want is a fish or two that are intelligent enough to maybe recognize me and come to the glass when I feed them. But I also want another shoal of small tetras, either cardinals or silvertip. I am really looking for opinions on compatibility, your personal preference, and experience. Thanks in advance!

 

[severum mama]

There's never a 100% guarantee, but angels and cardinals are typically fine. I've had an angel eat rummynose tetra before, but that's because I was traveling a lot at the time and the tank wasn't getting regular enough feedings. Cardinals are generally a safe bet and lots of people keep them together.

A pair of angelfish would be fine in your tank. You can start with 6 or so juveniles and wait for a pair to form (at which point you rehome the others), or sometimes you can find a pair to buy.

 

[NinjaTetra]

I was planning on single, is a pair better? If so I will plan that.... I may have to try an online site for some already paired, theres no fish clubs here and the lfs wont take them back. Would neons be good? A bettet question might be: How big does the mouth get?