View Full Version : Kribs w/ Blue Rams?
I've researched conflicting reports that Kribs are "peaceful" AND that Kribs can terrorize the tank! Help? I think they're gorgeous. I've had them before in my cichlid tank which was much more aggressive than what I'm shooting for now. I am interested in the Blue Rams which I know are VERY peaceful. Would you recommend having these two in the same, "peaceful" tank?
DarthV
06-10-2003, 11:01 AM
Kribs are fish from the african rift valley lakes and rivers, and they probably would do better in different water conditions that the Rams.
Edit: Actually they like soft and slightly acidic water, so they might work with Rams.
Xeider
06-10-2003, 12:16 PM
I think it will be more of an issue of having them in a tank that is large enough with enough space for each fish to have their own territory.
Tim Bo
06-10-2003, 12:20 PM
What size tank are you thinking of using? Rams will generally not appreciate the breeding spasms of Kribs in a small tank.
I only have a 10g. It seems as though the answer is right in front of me... simply not enough space for both to establish adequate territories. Which would be the best option for my 10g? I'm assuming Rams due to smaller size, however Kribs seem easier to maintain. Thanks for all your replies.
Xeider
06-10-2003, 2:34 PM
Either will work in the 10, though the kribs may be a bit cramped, and during breeding may turn on each other. Some dither fish will help, but then your quickly getting close to exceeding the capacity of the 10. Also if you go with kribs make sure to provide plenty of hidding places.
Of the two, Kribensis seem to be more common, are less expensive, and are much more forgiving. The blue rams (Microgeophagus ramirezi) are a little more colorful, in my area a bit more rare (though it will very by location), cost about twice that of the Krib, and are not as forgiving.
If you havn't allready, check this page (http://hjem.get2net.dk/Best_of_the_Web/Kribensis.html) for more info on both fish.
Thanks! That website was perfect! I'm still uncertain with what I'm going to do. I LOVE the Rams, but it seems there are so many risky variables. The Kribs do seem hardier, however I'm currently cycling my tank with Guppies and fear the Kribs will pick on them. I'm leaning toward the Rams with expectations of them turning belly up.:( (We have very hard water.) Hopefully they'll make it. I'm always bound to change my mind though. We're still looking at a few weeks out before I introduce any new fish. I've also pondered the idea of Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids. Any input there? I just want to be sure to do things right from the beginning. I had a 29g tank housing primarily S. Amer. Cichlids. I would introduce new Cichlids without educating myself first and it became a war zone. I ended up getting rid of the culprits and was left with my two gold severums which were gorgeous and spawned regularily. It was alot of fun watching a pair of happy fish.:)
Z Man
06-11-2003, 12:14 PM
Lisa, you eliminated the Rams by stating you have "very hard water". They most likely will not tolerate you water. Kribs maybe, but you should really be looking into African shell dwellers in the Neolamprologus group.
Quote from Lisa: We have very hard water.
Do you mean hard as in high pH (alkeline) or do you mean General hardness GH which is usually refered to as hard.
Jimbo: "Do you mean hard as in high pH (alkeline) or do you mean General hardness GH which is usually refered to as hard."
Our water has a high pH which I plan to bring down and stabalize using a buffer. I haven't tested the actual hardness of our water, but living in Colorado, I know it's hard. We struggle with calcium and zinc deposits (household). Our tap water works well for Cichlid tanks (African/S. Amer.) if that gives you any indication of it's "hardness". Perhaps I should find out!:p
Regardless of what books or products say, it is almost impossible to stabalize the pH in aquariums. It becomes a daily chore and only helps a short time.