Get 6 or more kuhli loaches as they are very social fish, they will even get along with cories. Yes, also get cories, fun fish! You can easily get shrimps and snails. You’re right about cardinal tetras, they have been longer in this hobby than neon tetras. You may try out rummy noses, but I do not know about them being sturdy. Guppies are fine to keep too, they also are sturdy fish.
For any schooling/shoaling fish like cories, loaches and any tetras get 6 or more, but in a 100 gallon tank you can out 20-25 maybe more of each and trust me, it will be lively! ^_^ For loaches, I agree with 20year, they need plenty of hiding spots to feel comfy in their new home, but they do no good in hard water. About 99.99% of them are wild caught and are rarely bred in captivity. My store apparentely breeds them in captivity so they should withstand my water hardness (my water hardness is total of 253ppm), but give your local fish store a call. But don’t call your local fishmongers!
Get the joke?
If you want to learn more about kuhli loaches, cories or other loaches or any catfish go to PlanetCatfish. They have lots of keen to help members to help newbies to loaches and catfish like you
