Rams in high pH?

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Okay, I know that stable pH is more important than a specific pH, and I've heard of people keeping healthy Discus in high pH (like 8.2), but has anyone kept rams in such a range? I have recently received one Bolivian Ram as a "rescue", and so far it's looking much better (stress bands are gone, color is coming back) but of course I'm just a little concerned about its long term health and well being (considering how infamously delicate they are).

 

[Rbishop]

I have 7.8 pH for discus/rams/apistos. Keep the water clean and you should be fine with a varied diet.

 

[joander123]

discus in 8.2??!!??

i know that it is a myth that they need to be kept in very low ph waters, but i've never heard of them being kept in water with ph that high.

I've usually heard stories about moderatley hard tap water with a ph of about 7.5, other than that, i have heard no such stories, but i would love to hear them or see them, where did you find this story?

Sorry though, no experience with rams.

 

[wataugachicken]

the adults should be fine since it seems they have been acclimated properly (which is the most important thing). Don't expect any breeding to be successful in higher pH ranges though - it seems that the eggs themselves need a lower pH to form properly.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Yeah not concerned at all about breeding (it is just one fish after all)...I guess we'll just wait and see what happens. Perhaps this will give me more incentive to finish saving up for that RO unit I've been wanting...

but i would love to hear them or see them, where did you find this story?

I've been trying to look it up for you...have to remember the name. >< If I can find it I'll let you know.

 

[Star_Rider]

Bolivian Rams are far from being 'delicate' they are the hardier of the two species of rams.

as long as they have been acclimated to the pH correctly they should be fine.
if they spawn you may have issues with eggs hatching but they rams themselves will be fine.

 

[gmh]

I have Bolivians in very hard water. I've softened it a bit over the last few weeks but GH is still around 19 and PH is 7.9. They have been doing well and are showing their colors better with the slightly lower hardness parameters. You should be fine.
German Blues are a different story. And I have never kept Discus.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Thanks gmh ^^ Always nice to hear from someone who has a little personal experience with the exact situation.

And yes I do remember hearing that Bolivians were a bit hardier...I just wasn't sure how much more so than German Blues so thanks for the info star_rider.

 

[1boatnut]

discus in 8.2??!!??

i know that it is a myth that they need to be kept in very low ph waters, but i've never heard of them being kept in water with ph that high.

I've usually heard stories about moderatley hard tap water with a ph of about 7.5, other than that, i have heard no such stories, but i would love to hear them or see them, where did you find this story?

Sorry though, no experience with rams.

My Discus are in 8.0ph
I did buy a GBR a month or so back,put it in the same water (tank)as my Discus,seemed fine for about 2-3 days,day 4 dead ??

 

[davexstumpe]

My Discus are in 8.0ph
I did buy a GBR a month or so back,put it in the same water (tank)as my Discus,seemed fine for about 2-3 days,day 4 dead ??

well considering rams are known to die for no reason, you really couldn't completely attribute that to the pH.



but if it makes it passed the first month, it should be fine, with no ill effects.