How many Neon tetra shall I get?

[Stephen]

How many Neon tetra shall I get?

I am about to do a theme change in my 550L aquarium.
I will definitely have:-
4 x Cupid Cichlid (Biotodoma cupido)
24 x Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei)
approx 25-30 corydoras + 1 x small pleco
This will put me at approx 72% stocking with approx 185% filtration.

Do I stock?
A: 40 x Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) puts me at approx 85% stocking level.
B: 50 x Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) puts me at approx 89% stocking level.
C: 60 x Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) puts me at approx 94% stocking level.

So A: B: or C: ???

My gut feeling says maybe 40 or 50 to allow a little space for any additions.
What do you think?

Thank you

[Ric]

I thought I had a suggestion but now I am beginning to over-think it

Gut feeling was B - 50; now I am thinking start with A - 40 and then stock up as you see fit in future...

[PaulVerrall]

Yeah I'd agree with 40. Leave space for a later date, it helps to scratch the itch of change having space to add fish later

[mikeyw64]

see with thoise numbers I'ld probably be tempted to buy 60 with the view of putting 47 in the main tank and adding the remainder into a nano tank after coming out of quarantine ;o)

[stechappo]

For my setup I could have put in 50 Lemon Tetras, but I have decided to put in 20, this at least allows me to either add more or find other Tetras from the Tapajos, which there isn't much info on, or other species like some Cory's. I'd go with A. But a shoal of 60 would look amazing, looking forward to seeing your final setup when ready.

[VikingMummy2015]

I’d start with 40 and decide from there. Gives you wiggle room.

[plankton]

45, always good to have an odd number to make counting difficult.
Actually, with the drop-off rate of neons from shops being quite high, relatively speaking, it may be best to start with 50 to allow for problems. I would expect them with some fish, like neons, nowadays.

[Stephen]

45, always good to have an odd number to make counting difficult.
Actually, with the drop-off rate of neons from shops being quite high, relatively speaking, it may be best to start with 50 to allow for problems. I would expect them with some fish, like neons, nowadays.

I actually prefer odd numbers
Anything above 10 makes counting difficult for some

I'll keep searching the internet for other stock such as Peruvian tetra (Hyphessobrycon peruvianus).

[stechappo]

Any clues to your plant selection and hardscape Stephen?

[Stephen]

Any clues to your plant selection and hardscape Stephen?

I'll probably stick with:-
Ludwigia peruviana
Hydrocotyle leucocephala (Brazilian pennywort)
Echinodorus parviflorus

They will only be at the back as I need open space for a pleco, the corydoras and cupid cichlids to browse.
I will also keep the current bogwood.

That's the plan.