I want German Blue Rams

jrawebb83

jrawebb83

AC Members
Jul 5, 2009
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Florida
Alright so I have 20 gallon long sitting around not being used and I want to use it a cichlid tank, more specifically GBR's. I would like to stock it with two male gbr, 3 otos, and around 5 or 6 tetra, either blue or glowlight. Will this work as far as stock goes?

I should mention that this would be my first cichlid experience, and I've read up on gbr's so I do know that they're sensitive to water conditions, but I think I can handle it. Other than that what should I know. I've heard that some cichlid species are diggers so plants are not generally a good idea. Any suggestions on how to set up the tank? For example best substrate, decorations, etc suited for gbr's. I've also heard something about running peat in the filtration system. What's that about? Any other info would be great too. Thanks.
 
Two males is not the best idea. Unless you can get a proven pair, the best bet is to initially buy a group of 5-6 and let a pair form...then return or rehome the rest.

You can try just getting a male and a female. However, there are a lot of complicating factors...fish in the store are sometimes too small to accurately sex and even having just a male and a female is not enough. In my experience, the "pair" is not always compatible.

As for plants, rams to little to no harm. They enjoy the cover of a highly planted tank.

Most of the time their sensitivity stems from poor breeding practices. Stocks from Asia, which is what LFS's usually carry, are weaker than those from Europe or locally bred. I would find a private breeder personally. Local is always a plus because chances are they have similar water. I've never found them sensitive to "high GH/KH/pH/TDS" water as many claim they are.
 
Well I found a non-chain fish store that buys from a nearby fish farm. I don't know that the water will be 100% similar since the farm is a little ways away, but I'm sure it's better than Europe or Asia. I think I might just have to take the chance with the pairing issue. I wanted two males so I don't have to worry about breeding, and they look better IMO.
 
If my store has a tank full of them, how can I tell which are a formed pair?
 
Thats the problem. They're likely juveniles who have yet to pair off yet...even if adults, thats a hard thing to do in a crowded tank.

I'd only count a pair as a true pair if they've already spawned, or attempted to. Before that point its still a crap shoot, IMO.
 
jpappy789 said:
Thats the problem. They're likely juveniles who have yet to pair off yet...even if adults, thats a hard thing to do in a crowded tank.

I'd only count a pair as a true pair if they've already spawned, or attempted to. Before that point its still a crap shoot, IMO.
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Okay, so it sounds like my chances of getting a compatible pair are unfavorable. I don't plan on buying 6 or more because I don't have the room. So what are the pro's and con's. I mean if I get a pair that really don't take a liking to each other will I have problems? Will the fish be unhappy etc?
 
jpappy789 said:
Let's just say my male killed the female...but that might not always be the outcome.
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hmmm... Well that would suck, to say the least. So the males get a little nasty when they're not having their 'needs' met huh?

Any other suggestions then for dwarf cichlid's that would work in a 20 gal long?
 
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