hi everyone, I'm excited to post this new update. I went ahead and finished off stocking the tank (for now) by adding blue rams. These were a bit of a challenge to aquire, but we finally found a place that had some after we bought all the ones from the closest lfs. Off to a bumpy start however, the first batch we got one of two started to die before it was even let out of its bag. We went back the next day and got him replaced with their last one, quite colorful but a bit lethargic. The replacement ram really helped to perk up the spirits of the first ram who had been hiding in the bushes for the whole first day. It was looking promising that the two fish would keep each other company but over the next couple days the first ram would continuously chase off the second ram, not too good for either of them I suppose, I gather that both of these first two rams were males. So we knew we wanted to get some females in there, we searched high and low. Then we found some smaller rams, I'm hoping from their appearance that at least one or two of the four new ones we added will be female. So there are six total rams now, 2 bigger males and 4 slightly smaller ones (possibly 3 fem / 1 m, not sure). I'm thinking the newer ones are better stock. oh yea, and after I got the replacement bigger one from the first store, I tested their water, .25 ammonia. I was doubtful because how heavily overstocked the tank with blue rams was from the first store. I'm contemplating returning the first two to the original store because I'm pretty certain the .25 ammonia detracted health from their stock. anyways, this aquarium sure doesn't look empty anymore. I have wanted to push back the substrate and line the front half of the tank with black sand, which would blend into gravel with flourite underneath in the back area. I think the sand would give a nice variation of textrues for the fish and simply for looks too. I've been researching rams for a while now to make sure they will have proper conditions. If anyone has any further tips or anything they would like to share I'd be happy if you posted. Anyways here are a few first photos, through plastic bag even. Thanks everyone!
