Compatability questions: rams, rummies...

[rookwing]

Hey all,

I'm moving to the States in a few months time and want to start up a tank for real this time. Ha, I remember last time- The ten gallon with hopes of holding tonnes of tetras, guppies and cories? Well, that was fun. XD (Never happened, I assure you, I thought the tank was humongous: darn conversions!)

But really, my ATM card suddenly decided to hate me (stupid thing to do with the PIN, I know it's right- I know it is- but apparently I'm nuts cause' it won't work at the register -.-), so from the sheer lack of being able to spend I've got enough to buy myself a decent sized tank, really, and so I shall.

Four months time, when everything's settled in the new house, I'm going to get myself an Eclipse 30 gallon aquarium, like so:

The dimensions are 30"W X 12.5"D X 18"H according to the Petco website. I had an eclipse 7-gallon as a kid so I know about the brand, and from what I remember it was a sturdy tank and easy to clean, and the size is great for where I want to put the tank (the study or my room, not sure which), so I'm pretty keen on it.

But that's not the point of this thread (unless I'm committing fishy murder by buying this, then by all means let me know XD). The point is which fish I'm going to get!

Well, I have one set in stone. Bolivian Rams. I am so in love with them, and I've gotten too many recs by some of my fish friends to pass them up easily. Another I'm pretty keen on are rummy-nosed Tetras. I've been looking through an online fish buyers website and came across them, and I think they're just brilliant...

But I'm absolutely, 100% open to recommendations!

In a nutshell, I want to know what kinds of fish Rams are compatible with. I heard that they do well with shoaling fish, in that they use them as a kind of lookout, so tetras would be good for that, no? But anything and everything that can live with them, I will consider.

Not fussed on colors or anything like that... I just want to be prepped for my options in advance, so I'm not completely obnoxious when it comes to really choosing for sure.. Eep!

Thanks in advance!

-Leslie.

 

[Lupin]

I'd cycle the tank first. The tetras you are picking will not do well in a newly-setup tank. Rummies are very sensitive to water conditions. I'd add them only after 3-4 months. Bolivian rams are pretty compatible with plecos, otos, tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, blue rams and apistogrammas. Please do note that a lot of characins are very sensitive to water conditions however there are few exceptions and lemon tetras and beacon tetras are good to start with. Do fishless cycling before you add these hardy tetras or use danios and male platies to cycle the tank with.

 

[rookwing]

Awesome, thanks for the recs.
I should have said I was going to cycle. ;P But yeah, I think It'd be foolish of me not to.

 

[Lupin]

Awesome, thanks for the recs.
I should have said I was going to cycle. ;P But yeah, I think It'd be foolish of me not to.

Oh, that's okay. A reminder for some readers won't hurt anyway especially when they're new to the hobby.

 

[GirlieGirl8521]

Bolvians and Rummynose tetras sound great! Rummies are awesome schoolers (always together) and look great in large groups. I'd suggest getting atleast 8, so you'll see the effects of their schooling.

As for others, you could have some Cories, another school of tetras/rasboras/pencilfish if you wish (or just have a large school of Rummies) and maybe some Otocinclus.

Sounds like a lovely tank.

 

[rookwing]

Hey everyone.

You know the aquariums that most people have with the black lids (yeah, real descriptive!). They have black edging around them and they're glass.. I presume you can get them at Petco or PetSmart, but I'm unsure as obviously I don't live in the USA. If anyone knows what I'm talking about, please let me know, because if these tanks are more affordable then I will go for the more classic look... Mmph.

My lineup currently goes like this:

30 GALLON TANK
2 Bolivian Ram
4 Bronze Corydora
8 Lemon Tetra
8 Rummynose Tetra

I doubt I'll add any more than this, but I have this lineup as well that I'm thinking of if I ever get a second aquarium:

30 GALLON TANK
2 Dwarf Gourami
6 Gold Tetra
6 Diamond Tetra
6 Harlequin Rasbora

The second tank is more based on the gold tetra, my favorite aside from the rummynose. I tend to like the more neutral colored fish when it comes down to it, to be honest. I doubt you'll ever find me with a school of Neons, haha. ^^

I presume the former tank would be easier for the beginner? I'll be doing Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate tests... The only thing I don't get about cycling (I'll be doing a fishless cycle) is that I'm not exactly sure about how to get a source of ammonia? And how much to add... Do I put in the water conditioner, then some kind of cycling aid chemical, or what? I'm confused. ^^

I'm sure I'm not the first beginner aquarist to be confused by the nitrogen cycle, though!

Thanks in advance. (PS: What plants do you recommend for beginners?)

 

[Lupin]

I presume the former tank would be easier for the beginner? I'll be doing Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate tests... The only thing I don't get about cycling (I'll be doing a fishless cycle) is that I'm not exactly sure about how to get a source of ammonia? And how much to add... Do I put in the water conditioner, then some kind of cycling aid chemical, or what? I'm confused. ^^

The second tank's stocklist is easier to keep compared to the first one. Rummy-nose tetras should not be added yet unless the tank has been running for more than four weeks after finishing cycle just to be safe.

Ammonia can be obtained in pharmacies if possible. Make sure it is pure ammonia. Have you peruse over rbishop's cycling sticky thread?

Thanks in advance. (PS: What plants do you recommend for beginners?)

Low lighting plants such as Java moss and Java ferns are a good start. If you live in US, give Mgamer20o0 a pm and he will sell you low lighting plants you need.

 

[rookwing]

That's just it... I'm kind of indecisive regarding the rummies... I'm constantly looking at the different varieties of tetras to see what I could add... The image I have is for a planted, natural looking tank with neutral fish and then you have the two Rams (and I'm sure you know what a Ram looks like, wink wink- gorgeous colors!) and it brightens it up...

The Rasboras, I presume, would do well in place of the rummies? Because I think you'll agree with me when I say that rummies aren't the most... camouflaged... of fish. XD I'm currently going by this guide: http://elmersaquarium.com/c106community1.htm
and of course I'm staying away from shark and large catfish... Apparently the bleeding heart tetras are rather hardy?

When I had my axolotl I was foruming one day and I came across moss balls (java moss) in peoples tanks. They go it via ebay so I'm planning on getting some of those for decoration. I was going to go with anacharis for a moment; thank God I didn't or it would have been out of control!

But yes, the fact that rummies aren't super hardy is kind of making me anxious... I'd much rather go with the rasboras for that reason (and they are quite nice in my personal opinion).

Thank you.

 

[Lupin]

That's just it... I'm kind of indecisive regarding the rummies... I'm constantly looking at the different varieties of tetras to see what I could add... The image I have is for a planted, natural looking tank with neutral fish and then you have the two Rams (and I'm sure you know what a Ram looks like, wink wink- gorgeous colors!) and it brightens it up...

Blue rams seem more gorgeous than the Bolivian rams to be honest but more challenging to keep if added earlier.

The Rasboras, I presume, would do well in place of the rummies? Because I think you'll agree with me when I say that rummies aren't the most... camouflaged... of fish. XD I'm currently going by this guide: http://elmersaquarium.com/c106community1.htm

Yes.

and of course I'm staying away from shark and large catfish...

They won't fit the tank anyway.

Apparently the bleeding heart tetras are rather hardy?

Yes.

But yes, the fact that rummies aren't super hardy is kind of making me anxious... I'd much rather go with the rasboras for that reason (and they are quite nice in my personal opinion).

Why not? Rasboras are worth a try after all. Hengelis, harlies, wilpita and vaterifloris are nice.

 

[Penfan66]

The 'Classic' tanks you are talking about are probably All-Glass. They can be had as a stand alone tank or in a kit. Petco and Petsmart and Wal Mart for that matter, all sell them.

The biggest problem with Blue Rams is poor stock, usually Asian. They are injected with hormones to make them color up faster and are just generally weaker fish. If you can find European or American stock from a trusted source, I don't think they are any more delicate than Bolivians.