I would disagree with Moya on her point 3. I dig the siphon down as far into the gravel as it will go to make sure I suck up all the muck. I don't do this around the plant roots though. There, I hold the siphon just above the gravel to pick up the surface debris.
Test kits are handy when things go wrong as the first thing you will be asked is what are your pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels.
10 neons may be too many depending on the size of the tank. Not sure they are actually the best to cycle with as they are not very hardy these days but fingers crossed they will keep well. You may start having problems from days 7 - 10 as ammonia etc levels start to rise. A test kit will help you decide when to do a water change to keep the toxins at acceptable, non harmful levels until the filter bacteria grow enough.