Stocking help!

[Fishperson]

Hi, I have a 20 gallon tall that is currently less cycling. I think that it will finish cycling soon. I am wondering what stock you would recommend. I want 1 centerpiece fish, I am thinking either a ram of some type or a dwarf gourami, but other suggestions are welcome. I also want 2 schools with it. I am not very interested in inverts, but I am open to suggestions on that as well. I like rummynose tetras in particular, but I am open to anything that sounds good. I don't really want cories though. I have a tetra whisper 30 filter.

 

[Fishperson]

Any help please???

 

[Fishperson]

Might want to add:
My ph of my tap water is about 8
Too high for a ram I think
Is that true?

 

[librarygirl]

You could do 6-8 rummynose and 6-8 of another schooling fish; neon tetras come to mind but there are many other types that would do fine in a 20 gal. You could visit some local fish stores and see what you like, then research them (or/and ask here). A single Bolivian should do fine, they're a bit more hardy than German Blues. Also, the PH out of your tap is 8 but it might change once it gasses off; you can try leaving out a glass of tap water for 24 hours (stir it ocassionally) and then test PH again. This is your "true" PH and what your tank's PH should be.

 

[Fishperson]

The water in my tank right now is 8, so wouldn't it have already gassed off? And I thought that all rams preferred ph was below 7. Like I said, I do like rummy nose, but does anyone recommend anything else? I don't like neons because they seem to be weak and sensitive to parameters. I have been looking into:
Platys
Serpae Tetra
Cherry Barbs (which, by the way, does anyone recommend any other barbs?)
Harlequin Rasbora