I have a few questions to ask before I stock my tank. I may have asked some of these before, but I need to be absolutely sure on everything because I can't afford to mess up again.
My 20 gallon long aquarium just finished cycling after 2 weeks. I never saw any nitrites and the nitrates are only at 2ppm, but it consistently breaks down 3ppm ammonia in 24 hours, so I think it's ready for fish. I want to add 6 corydoras, 6 harlequin rasboras, and 1 betta. Is this tank load ok for my tank, or will I be overstocked.
Also, how should I add my fish into the tank? Should I add 6 of the fish and then wait a week and add the rest except for my betta? Does it matter if I add the cories or the rasboras first? I was planning on adding the cories first but I need to make sure that's ok.
Is there a chance the other fish will hurt my betta if I add him last? I don't want them to form territories and beat up my betta when I add him later.
Finally, my tap ph is at 8.2. Will the fish be able to adapt to this? I know there's ways to lower ph, but I'm not experienced with fish and I don't want to get into that.
I know it's a lot of questions, but thanks for answering.