Ram Water Temperature

[Waylander]

What temperature range can rams be kept in successfully? I've looked around but everywhere seems to have different ranges. I want to keep a pair in my new 40 gal, but if they require temperatures of 80F+ I may have to give them a miss as it would seem these temperatures wouldn't be appropriate for any other inhabitants of the tank.

I'm eager to hear from anyone with experience in this matter.

Kieren

 

[llamabob]

German Rams are fine inbetween 72-79.

 

[fishcatch22]

i'd say keep it between 78-82.

I keep tetras and an oto in 80 degree water (I have a hyperactive heater )and they are none the worse for wear.

 

[liv2padl]

both the german ram - Microgeophagus ramirezi, and the bolivian ram - Microgeophagus altispinosa will survive temperatures in the high 70's. however, anyone who has successfully kept and bred either species will tell you that if you expect them to thrive, temperatures of about 82° are best.

http://cichlidae.com/article.php?id=31

http://cichlidae.com/tank.php?id=368

 

[Cathy G]

They are found in hot little pools - they will not be healthy and will not color up and be happy unless the water is WARM. Most breeders I talk to now routinely keep them in 84-86 and bump UP the temp to 88 when spawning...

Bolivians come from a different area in the upper amazon and will do ok in the upper 70's.

Cathy

 

[eyeman]

Remember that a community tank is a compromise for all inhabitants. I assume your 40 is a community since you mention other fish. I keep mine at 78 and my rams are very colorfull, and seem happy to me.

 

[Rallysman]

I keep mine at 82. Very active and great eater.

 

[tjBlotto]

I used to keep mine at 77 but with some helpful advice from Cathy, I now keep it over 80 all the time. They seem much happier.