So, I was reading up on German Blue Rams and it said that I should add peat to the tank. What is this for and where do i get it?
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Peat?
- Thread starter Spikor
- Start date
Peat is used primarily to soften water and lower PH. Pantyhose works for baggin it, and a lot of people run a powerhead close to the peat to increase it's efficiency. You can get high quality peat at most pet stores, or you can buy it bulk at your local garden center. Make sure that whatever peat you buy is ALL NATURAL!
TB
TB
Don't add the peat. Unless you plan on breeding them, you really don't need, or want to mess with your water. Its healthier for the fish to leave it alone where it is stable. Even with the peat you can go through nasty pH swings which can kill the fish. I've kept rams for years now, and even had them spawning in hard alkaline water. Stability of the water, clean water, and temps in the low 80s is whats best for them.
What Nataku said...Don't mess with the PH. Acclimate your rams very slowly to the new water...and they will adjust to the PH.
I have german blue rams in PH of 7.8-8.0 and they are doing fine...breeding and everything. My hardness is only about 80ppm though and I don't know what my GH or KH is, never checked it. I keep the temps up to 80.
I have german blue rams in PH of 7.8-8.0 and they are doing fine...breeding and everything. My hardness is only about 80ppm though and I don't know what my GH or KH is, never checked it. I keep the temps up to 80.
I second that, most people will tell you rams HAVE to have acid water, like most S.American fish they'd prefer it but have adapted well to more alkaline conditions. Clean and stable is much healthier than p.h swings.
This is one of my rams (pics a bit dark) my tank is p.h 8, g.h16>
This is one of my rams (pics a bit dark) my tank is p.h 8, g.h16>
Here's two pictures to prove that they do fine in alkaline water, well one isn't of a rams, but I'm sure you'll understand:
Rams Spawning:
Discus Spawning:
Rams Spawning:
Discus Spawning:
If your prepared to do daily 50-75% water changes, heavy feeding for young fish with nothing but the best foods, and prepared to shell out a minimum of $35 for a 2.5" fish, as well as provide them with the water temps they need, then go for it. DO ALOT of research into them before you get involved with Discus. And do not shortcut anything, trust me it will save you a lot of fustration,heartache, and money in the long run. If you have questions don't be afraid to PM me.