Need more specific help with established tank media

[SmallFishi]

Ok I have my tank set up, I am supposed to be getting some established media from a collegue only I dont' know exactly what to ask for is it just filter medium if she gives me gravel do I just put it in with mine? I set up my tank on Saturday night.
Do I need to get fish once I have this media? I have 3 liquid test kits Nitrite, Ammonia and Nitrate.

If I do have to get some fish which fish and how many at this moment in time should I get? This is my list in no particular order of what I had in mind for the tank once it is fully established.
I Really don't want zebra danios, my friend said she had them and they chased the other fishes and harrassed them.
The Otto's I definately don't want for a while as I have NO algae obviously for them to eat.

3 pygmy cory cats
5 Harlequin Rasboras
6 neon tetra
1 dwarf gourami
and possibly 2 otto's way off in the future if I dont' have too many fish with what is listed above.

 

[webcricket]

Firstly, read up here http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598 about fishless cycling. The fish you want to keep are not really appropriate or hardy enough for doing a fishy cycle (assuming you don't want fish deaths as part of the cycle). If you go with a fishless cycle, you can add all your fish at once when the cycle is complete.

With the established media: if it's a filter pad, squeeze it into your filter and then stick the pad into the filter if you can. For gravel, if it matches your gravel, just drop it in. If it doesn't match, stick it in a mesh bag (or pantyhose, whatever is handy) and put it either in your filter or just drop it in the tank. Keep in mind the bacteria need to be fed or they start to die within 24-36 hours. The article I linked should give you info on feeding them. Good luck!

 

[SmallFishi]

Thankyou i'll read it tonight when I get home great idea about making a bag for the gravel.