German and Gold Rams

S

Something_fishy_in_here

Registered Member
Jul 13, 2015
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8
Ok so I've done a ton of research...I've got a 75 gallon just up and running. It will be housing black ruby barbs, burmese border loaches, pearl gouramis, possibly a bristlenose pleco, and rams. The guy at my local aquarium store said these guys would all be fine together so that was a relief...what I'm curious about is...with all the tank mates, and plenty of space and cover, would it be ok to have a pair of both blue and gold rams? I have caves on each side of the tank, a decent amount of plants, and some flat rock hiding places in the very middle. If it's not a good idea, no big deal...I'll happily just get one or the other. I am also wondering, how long should the tank be established before I add them? I know they are sensitive, and need a well established tank, but since I'm fairly new to doing this on my own, I'd like your opinions.

Thanks.
 
The only caveat I'd offer is the mixing of small rams with the loaches. Kubotai can get up to five inches and a group will be able to overwhelm a pair of spawning rams. This could lead to the rams being injured or killed when trying to defend eggs or fry.

Mark
 
Welcome to the forums!

As for when to add them, see the link on cycling in my signature. Get yourself a good test kit and make sure the tank is actually cycled. Most people think it just means running the tank empty for a day or two. You need to actually establish a bacteria colony to deal with the fish waste. I could go into detail, but the article does so a lot better and at length. If you understand the process and how to test your water, you could basically add all the fish at once. Other than what wes pointed out, I think It's large enough a tank to have both types.
 
Wes, I am not actually trying to breed them. Maybe someday when I'm more experienced. Also the kubotai are a must because I already have them in a betta tank. The fish store personnel gave them to me knowing I wanted bottom feeders for my betta tank and I had no idea they were gonna get big until I went home, and researched them. They're actually the reason I decided to start a large tank. Fishy, thanks, I will read that. I did buy a bottle of quick start bacteria, but I am going to start the tank with the barbs. I grew up in a fish tank household so I know I can't just pop random fish in whenever I want to. Thanks for the replies
 
I have another question while we're on it...I've seen a lot of people up in the air about temps for GBRs. They are listed as 78-88 or so. But the other fish are around 79 at their highest. Can they adapt to a higher temp or can the rams adapt to the lower temp? I've heard that they will be much happier around 82ish. I just want to make sure I'm doing this right.
 
Even if you don't have intentions of breeding, they will, in most all cases.. just something to ponder...
 
Something_fishy_in_here said:
I thought they needed specific water parameters for breeding? What if I only kept females?
Click to expand...

Keeping only females will eliminate reproduction but not necessarily spawning behavior. Females can and will attempt to spawn together as if a mated pair. It's not entirely common but sometimes happens. The defensive behavior follows. You could, of course, give it a shot. The worst case result will be that you may lose some fish.

Mark
 
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