How Many Bolivian Rams?

[carttman]

I have a 30 gallon tank with natural color gravel, two pieces of artificial driftwood, some plastic plants, bubble wall, and one action air ornament. I do not have any fish yet, but I was looking to get a Bolivian Ram. I was also looking to get some other fish. I was looking to get some Cardinal Tetras, Black Neon Tetras, and Harlequin Rasboras. Will anything else go with a Bolivian Ram? From what I've read, I should only get one Bolivian Ram. Is this true? If this is not true, how many would you recommend? I'm looking for this to be the first fish that I get out of the others. The Ram will also be my main fish.

 

[Deb2]

You could get 2 in a 30 gallon if you want other fish. Almost any peaceful fish that likes soft, acidic and warm water would work well. Bolivian rams do better at temp. of 80F approximately.

 

[VoodooChild]

They're fairly peaceful, so I'd say at least two. If you wanted a pair, you could probably house 4 or 5 until a pair forms and just remove the other guys. I had 3 in my 30 with no problems until I lost two to an internal parasite. Now I'm down to one. Beautiful fish though. Very underated.

 

[Dwarfnut]

I agree with voodoo... get several and go from there. I have three pairs in my 75 gallon and they do fine. In a 30 gallon, I'd again, recommend you find a pair and then separate them. All the fish will get along fine until one pair starts to spawn, then they become pretty aggressive. It seems that at any given time, at least one of my pairs are spawning, so the others stay away! They all seem to have their own little corners tho, so all is good. I also have some lemon tetras, several algae eaters, 4 gold rams and a dwarf pleco in there. I did remove the Cories as it seemed they were the ones eating the fry.

Too bad you are not closer... I have some babies almost ready to go!

Good luck,
Bill C.