Rams

red_wall

Whoosh! feel the onomatopoeia
Jun 15, 2008
964
0
0
SE Georgia
Alrighty, for the first time, I've actually seen rams in person.
I have to say I am fascinated by them!
I would like to purchase one... or two?
That's the whole purpose of this thread, is to get some info from people who have actually kept them.

So my tank specs are:

46 gallon bowfront
10 Neon tetras
6 hatchetfish
1 rainbow shark
1 guppy
and 1 juvenile molly.

Would the ram even be able to fit in my tank?


What do they like to have in the tank?


Do they need a hiding spot?


Are they happier in pairs, or just one male or female (I'm assuming males are very territorial)


Will my shark pose any problems with them (or it)


What's the difference between males and females (I think males have a black fin color on the top of their head?)




If you could answer these questions for me, It'd be greatly appreciated :]
 
I think you def. have room for some rams, possibly two pairs. Rams don't need to be in pairs, but I'd recommend possibly an odd number of all males with no females if you want an alternative (and want more than one ram in your tank). Rams will spawn in caves or on flat surfaces, but their eggs probably won't last in a community setup, no matter how hard they defend them. Not sure how the rainbow shark will fare with rams. Your shark may get a little nasty with the other tank inhabitants as it grows to adulthood, so just keep an eye on it. About the 3rd dorsal ray from the front is very elongate on males, and females develop pink bellies once sexually mature.
 
Saram summed up how to sex them.

Your tank could handle 2 pairs, but I wouldn't do it. In my experience, one pair tends to become extremely dominant over the other so it's nicer to just have one pair per tank. I would recommend a pair---male and female. The interaction between pairs is very interesting to watch.

They enjoy places to hide out. They don't hide a lot, but I find that if they don't have somewhere to hide whenever they want, they are always stressed out.
 
I agree with what has been said. The rainbow shark may or may not be an issue. Rams don't like to be pushed around, that's for sure, but constant pestering would be stressful. I've never kept rainbow sharks, so it may come down to yours' individual personality.
 
which species of ram?
 
My lfs usually bring GBR in 50 or more. Whenever I am there, I can usually see the male/female that paired off (many pairs). They will try their best by constantly chasing others away from small patches of turf they want to claim. Difficult part is netting out them.
Just stand in front of the dispaly tank, you maybe able to pick out paired off GBR.

For 46B, would just go with one pair.

Hope this helped a bit.
 
All this info is great:) I my self have 2 GBR's that should be shipped any day now! I still think there needs to be a specific section just for breeding:)
 
which species of ram?

I honestly have no idea, they're being sold as Blue Rams

Your tank could handle 2 pairs, but I wouldn't do it. In my experience, one pair tends to become extremely dominant over the other so it's nicer to just have one pair per tank. I would recommend a pair---male and female. The interaction between pairs is very interesting to watch.

I think I'll just stick with one pair, don't want anyone to be too stressed


I think you def. have room for some rams, possibly two pairs. Rams don't need to be in pairs, but I'd recommend possibly an odd number of all males with no females if you want an alternative (and want more than one ram in your tank). Rams will spawn in caves or on flat surfaces, but their eggs probably won't last in a community setup, no matter how hard they defend them. Not sure how the rainbow shark will fare with rams. Your shark may get a little nasty with the other tank inhabitants as it grows to adulthood, so just keep an eye on it. About the 3rd dorsal ray from the front is very elongate on males, and females develop pink bellies once sexually mature.

Ah, I won't try to keep the eggs, I wouldn't know what to do with them.

I'm honestly thinking about getting rid of the rainbow shark (bought it on a whim, w/o researching, he's the reason that I research before I buy) Off to the LFS he goes. He's been a constant problem in my tank, but I guess one day I'll take him down to the shop. Tell girlfriend he died.



Thanks for the info guys, you pull through for me, as always!
 
I dont mean to hijack your thread but I figured I would ask here before creating my own thread...

Would I be able to keep a pair of GBR's in my 29g tank? I have 6 Neon tetras 4 Glo lite tetras, 1 Angel fish, and 1 Bristle Nose Pleco.
 
AquariaCentral.com