Suggestions for "featured" fish
- Thread starter NJ Devils Fan
- Start date
I've have nothing but good things to say about Blue Rams. I've got 3 in my 20 gal Amazon-ish tank with a group of about 10 neons and a few painted tetra. Their colors are really starting to come out these days, especially since I put a Flora Grow bulb in there..it seems to make their colors really shine. The red streak in their eyes just jumps out at you against the black line running through it. As for behavior, I've never kept any other "ciclids" so I can't really compare. They do however show some really neat territory practices, even if they are pretty shy and all talk for their actions....it's still pretty cool to watch. I wish they would put a little more of a scare into the Neons, they are just too used to the tank and never really group together as much....maybe my tank is too small and they can all stay in eyeshot of each other, i dunno?? They don't really get too big either, so maybe consider some Bolivian Rams?? I heard they are a little bigger fully grown and a bit more aggressive. Some food for thought, GOOD LUCK!
steve
steve
Actually, I got them at Markheim Pets on Sheridan Drive in Buffalo. They had them as "blueberry tetra" other store in the area have them as a variety of names, fruit tetra, painted tetra... but they all seemed to be the same fish shape, just different colors. Very similar to the bodies of glow-light tetras ( sp? ) I have seen around...the ones that have bright orange , green , etc. spines and clear bodies. They were one of my first purchases...actually my girls' purchase. They seemed to have lost some color intensity to almost a silver color over time so I am wondering if they are of the "dyed" variety of fish for show...if so, I wish i knew then what i know now!! I wouldn't have purchased them as I do not believe in that practice....
sm
sm
Yep they are dyed. Next time you are at Markiems ask Vince how his altums are doing!! And why don't you just come to my place for fish???
NJ - I had the same dilemma for that same tank. I debated back and forth on Discus (decided against them for too much care requirements), Angels (still go back and forth but I think I have ruled these out - bad childhood experience with some agressive ones ) or ??
Here is what I decided:
First - my clown loaches are a must have - so 6 of them (getting them very small - about 1 1/2 inches). No tank should be without Clowns
2 Bristlenose Plecos
A school of Rummynose Tetras / Cardinals (probably 2/3 rummynose, 1/3 Cardinals)
A pair of Blue Rams
A pair of Apisto Cacutoides
A pair of one other small Apisto (probably Viejta or Borelli)
3 Pearl Gourami's
No, it isn't the Biotype / Biotope that some strive for - but It is some fish I find interesting. I basically decided in no Angels/ Discus - to instead add the Pearl Gourami's and an extra pair of Apisto's.
this should give me an intersting mix of fish at various levels in the tank. Good luck in making your choice
Here is what I decided:
First - my clown loaches are a must have - so 6 of them (getting them very small - about 1 1/2 inches). No tank should be without Clowns
2 Bristlenose Plecos
A school of Rummynose Tetras / Cardinals (probably 2/3 rummynose, 1/3 Cardinals)
A pair of Blue Rams
A pair of Apisto Cacutoides
A pair of one other small Apisto (probably Viejta or Borelli)
3 Pearl Gourami's
No, it isn't the Biotype / Biotope that some strive for - but It is some fish I find interesting. I basically decided in no Angels/ Discus - to instead add the Pearl Gourami's and an extra pair of Apisto's.
this should give me an intersting mix of fish at various levels in the tank. Good luck in making your choice
Superstein, some of those fish I am really considering. I already have a common pleco in my little tank, so I'm moving that guy to the big tank. I am definitely getting 2 bristlenose plecos. I would also like some rummynose tetras, some rams, and maybe something else that tickles my fancy
. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
Can anyone tell my some of their experiences with rams? That would really be a help.
. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.Can anyone tell my some of their experiences with rams? That would really be a help.
I have a pair of Bolivian Rams in a 55g. They are a great little cichlid, not aggressive but lots of personality. I've read that the blue rams can be quite "fragile" so that's why I opted for the Bolivians, I'm more than happy with my choice.
The only downfall I can think of is that it's difficult to sex Rams. I would prefer a male and female but I'm pretty sure I have two of one sex. You could get 4 or 5 and let a pair form and return the others to the LFS.
The only downfall I can think of is that it's difficult to sex Rams. I would prefer a male and female but I'm pretty sure I have two of one sex. You could get 4 or 5 and let a pair form and return the others to the LFS.
