u/cherrydropper

So I have been doing a fishless cycle and my tank is decently planted. I still plan on waiting probably another 3 weeks before even adding any fish but I am now noticing several red ramshorn snails in my tank… so I decided maybe instead of Cory’s I will just get loaches instead!

I have a 32.5 gallon tank and I’m desperately trying to get my ph down but haven’t had much luck (stable between 8 & 8.2) but I read that loaches like a pretty low ph or at least on the lower side. I also know they do best in groups of 6 or more so I planned on doing the minimum 6 so I don’t overcrowd the tank.

Fish plan:

1 honey gourami

6 loaches (unsure what kind to get - need advice)

10 amano shrimp

8 diamond tetras

10 harlequin rasboras

I have 3 almond leaves in the back of the tank for ph lowering purposes as well as peat as 1 of 3 filter medias. So far haven’t noticed a change but I haven’t tested perimeters in 3 days now - need to do that today. I know that loaches like leaf litter, should I just scatter more almond leaves along the bottom?