Help with sick Male Ram

CrownMan

CrownMan

AC Members
Sep 2, 2005
33
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0
Arlington, Texas
I was wondering if anyone might know what is wrong with my ram. He is about 3 years old (the last survivor of a litter I raised) and yesterday he decided to just lay in one spot on the gravel without moving for several hours. He is a dark blue with black stripes. I have never seen a ram get this dark. He also refuses to eat, even brine shrimp.

I have done nothing more than my customary weekly 60% water change and none of the other fish are experiencing any problems (5 julli corys, 2 otos, 1 diamond tetra, 3 cardinal tetras). Also, my city water got a little harder. GH went from 120ppm to 220ppm.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks, Mike
 
I'm assuming your water paramiters are good, but could you still post the numbers? It would help. If it's getting really dark then it probably doesn't have much longer to live. My female did that and died the next day. Everything was fine, I still don't know what happened.
 
Thanks,

ph 6.4 using calibrated pinpoint monitor. need a backup check source.
gh 12
kh 5
nitrates 0
ammonia 0
sulfates 40ppm
copper .1ppm
use prime to remove chloramines
temp 79
no3 25
po4 2.5
co2 47-59ppm by the chart but no fish is suffering. All along the bottom hiding between plants until feeding time (except the ram)

k dose equilibrium at 1tsp per water change about 20 gallons in a 30 long
moderately planted also dose 1 tsp of Mg.
CSM+B 12ml 4x weekly from a mix of 3tsp/500ml H2O

All other fish eating well. How long do captivity bred Rams usually live?
UG filter, Duetto internal filter and co2 mister, HOB AC

The last one that died went through the same thing about 3 months ago. You think it could just be time?

Thanks for your help,

Mike
 
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It could possibley just be time, rams aren't really known for there long life spans. I'm not really sure what the average is though, I've only had mine for a few months so far.
Maybe EMG will see this post, I know she's got lots of rams, I wonder if she's had hers for 3+ years.
 
Haveing a ram for 3 years is pretty darn good ! I have only had rams for the past year....did my first spawn a year ago come March...so I can't say I have experience with finding out how long they live. I still have my original female, but lost the male about a month or so ago.

But from what I have read and heard from breeders...rams are good for about 3 years tops...so...you did good !
 
Thanks Emg. I do like keeping Rams. They are a pleasure to watch. I will definately restock with Rams.

Mike
 
Ya he is an old timer when it comes to Blues. Most rams from what I have read live to about 2-3 years. I am sure he has lived a long good life.
 
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