Stocking Suggestions

I can't keep neons or cardinals alive to save my life...
I think they look great but in every tank I've ever had they always die within 2 days
 
Well aren't platies colourful enough? Bettas can sometimes be tough and mean and other times very docile so it is hard to say how they would react. They won't go after shrimp and will probbaly chase the other fish some what, but then they could also be attacked by the other fish in the tank.

As for pH swings I would be wary there as neons and the other smaller tetras don't tend to be too hardy these days. They can easily adapt to a new pH but not a constantly changing one.
 
Dwarf Gouramis are nice looking fish. Get a pair. The male will be the show fish and the female is there to keep the male happy.
 
How well would the Harlequin Rasboras hold up to the moderate PH swings?

Any other suggestions then as to what to get. I am also open to some larger, but peaceful fish. I guess with the PH the neons and cardinals are out. I really hate to knowingly hurt my fishes.
 
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