Thinking about setting up a tetra and loach tank

[MTS]

After moving the Africans to a new 180 gallon tank, we cleaned up their old tank and buffed out the scratches in the acrylic. Now we are trying to figure out what we want to do with it. The tank is 5 feet long, 18 inches wide and 17 inches tall.

My current thoughts are to get a few different varieties of tetras and a half dozen zebra loaches. I really like tetras but except for my black neons (which I bought 10 and now have 12)—my success rate has been less than 50% of the ones I buy seem to live past the first few days no matter how carefully I acclimate them.

I’m willing to try more tetras but perhaps there are some words of wisdom out there to help me along. For the above size tank (a bit over 75 gal), how many of what varieties would you recommend?

Also, since zebra loaches are not readily available where I live, I would have to mail order them. Any recommendations for a good loach supplier in the US?

[Rubix]

I haven't actually ordered from him, but I've heard nothing but good things about "Frank's Aquarium". Seems he currently has them in stock, and i would consider also ordering your tetras at the same time because of shipping prices; which probably wouldnt change for a bunch more fish.
I'm keepin an eye on this thread, I'm about to redo a tank and have been thinking on possible tetra dithers. thanks for asking my question for me

[Diana]

Some Tetras handle different water parameters better than others, but in general soft, acidic water is best for most Tetras.
Species that have been in captivity for longer will handle pH from about 6 to 7.5 pretty well, GH and KH from about 3 degrees to about 9 degrees.

I would ask when you get the Tetras what sort of water they are used to and make the tank match that water for pH, KH, GH and TDS.

I have had the best luck with
Diamond
Neon
Congo
Various Pencilfish
Blind Cave Tetras
Darter Tetras (A bottom dwelling type, sort of similar behaviour to Gobies) I would not put them in a tank with Loaches. Look for more upper level action.

I have had the worst luck with
Cardinals (Most are still wild caught, but one LFS is starting to get captive bred ones. It will be a few generations for their sensitivity to water chemistry to lessen)
Hatchets (They literally 'fly the coop', or 'carpet surf' all too frequently)

Schooling fish that are not Tetras:
There are more and more Rasbora species available.
There are a lot of Danios available. Some of the larger ones would work well in your larger tank.
Some Barbs might work. Look at the Ruby Barb. Males are particularly impressive when they are showing off for the ladies.