First time with cichlids :)

[b.greene]

My son would like to start a 10g cichlid tank which will hold 2 german blue rams and maybe a couple kuhli loaches or a pearl gourami.
The issue is my ph. My water tests at about 8.0. I have read that cichlids require lower ph. I do not wnat to mess with altering the ph in the tank. Are the cichlids out?
THANKS!

 

[Coler]

Tank is a little small for the mix - I think the kuhli loach needs a couple more kuhli loaches and a bit more room for a start.

Ph is rarely a significant issue, as long as it is stable.

What would however be perfect for your tank size (and as it happens well suited to the Ph) would be Tanganyikan shell dwellers.

 

[msjinkzd]

shell dwellers are super cool, i think your son would love them and they are much more suited to that tank size.

 

[b.greene]

Ohhh... my son is really excited about the look of the blue rams. What if we skipped the kuhlies...is a 10g enough for just the two rams?

 

[Rbishop]

I wouldn't do a pair of rams in less than a 20 long.

 

[msjinkzd]

good news is that petco should be having their dollar per gallon sale soon, i think its end of august...maybe an upgrade for early b-day/xmas present?

 

[b.greene]

Love the idea of a 20, but we don't have a petco in town - only Petsmart. I have never seen them do that $1 per gallon sale. I have a larger heater and filter that would go well in a twenty though...

 

[Pittbull]

try craigslist in your area for aqaurium sales.. and i concur with msjink i have a 10gal full of neolamprologus multifasciatus shell dwellers juvies / babies N. Mustax as fry as well just provide tons of shells and should be fine mine do well, later aye..><}}}">

 

[Coler]

^ that's the kind of tank I'd do in a 10G.

For the rams - a long 20G would be ideal.

 

[b.greene]

try craigslist in your area for aqaurium sales.. and i concur with msjink i have a 10gal full of neolamprologus multifasciatus shell dwellers juvies / babies N. Mustax as fry as well just provide tons of shells and should be fine mine do well, later aye..><}}}">

I reaseached these online...really fun!
Are these the cichlids marked as "assorted african cichlids" at Petsmart?