Tetras, Betta and Cpry Cats

Question
Hi there,
I have a Tetra AquaArt 60L tropical fish tank (not yet set up) and I would like
to fill it.
I know you have to cycle the tank, but would you be able to tell me how to do it
without fish?
Also, I was wondering if you know how many fish should be in my 60litre tank (12
gallons?). I was thinking 1 male Betta fish, some tetras and about 3 corydora
catfish. I was wondering if you know how many tetras I would be able to fit in
there without it being crowded.
I am looking at black neon tetras, and in our local specialist store it says I
can buy 6 for the price of 4. Do you know if 1 male Betta, 3 (or 2) cory cats
and 6 black neon tetras would be ok. If not, how many tetras?
Many Thanks,
Lara


Answer
For a 12 gallon tank, you should have approx. 12" of fish.  Small tanks go bad quickly, so it is best to understock those tanks.  You cannot have a school of tetras, bettas, and corys in a 12 gallon.  You would be pushing it with the 6 black neons and a betta.  Tetras and Corys like to be kept with 6 members of their own species.  Both get 2-3 inches long.  With 12 2 inch fish, that is 24 inches.  The bettas adds another 2 inches which is 26 inches.  This is too much for a 12 gallon tank.  I would suggest either going with a single school of tetras, a single school of cories, or with a betta fish, some african dwarf frogs and some apple (brig) snails.  You could also try some galaxy rasboras which get about 3/4 of an inch with the betta fish.  

here is an AMAZING article about fishless cycling:

http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article14.html