To Ram or not to Ram?

P

PurpleSmurf

AC Members
May 4, 2005
351
0
0
39
Colorado Springs
purplesmurf.com
Okay, with my new 20gal just about to finish it's nitrite spike I'm thinking of / looking forward to getting a pair of rams.... however I'm not sure they're the best choice for my tank.

The stocking for the tank will be: 4 Emerald Cory Cats, 3 Serpae Tetras, and 2 Gold Mystery Snails until I can get my ramshorn to breed. I may also add ghost shrimp or something similar.

Will I be over stocking or crowing the rams? If so what changes can I make to accomidate a pair? I return the serpaes anytime within the next two weeks (14 days from this post), though I rather not; I was actually thinking of buying another two or three.

Anyway, any help / suggestions are much appreciated.

Ninja Edit - I also need to have my water tested to see if it's suitable for rams. If I find it's too basic or hard what can I put in the filter to help lower the pH and dH?
 
Last edited:
best thing to lower pH is driftwood or peatmoss as for the hardness Ill let someone more proficient answer that one.

also with your original stocking plan you should be fine...anything more though and Id think youd be pushing it.
 
I really want some rams too but im not sure if my water will cut it for them so im going to wait and see. But a LFS around here is selling some fish online that is supposed to look like rams but be more hardy. Heres a link to them on eBay so you can find out the fish if interested. Might save you some hassle with playing with water parameters.

eBay link

Just a suggestion to keep in mind.
 
Microgeophagus altispinosa are Bolivian rams and they are usually hardier than the german rams. German rams aren't naturally weak fishes, but the mass farming of the popular rams in asia have lead to inbreeding and weaker genes. The bolivian rams aren't as colorful so they aren't farmed as much, they are also larger and can reach 4".

Unless your water is very hard, don't worry about trying to make the water soft to fit a ram's need. Like most fishes they will adapt to harder water, I have rams in relatively hard water (7.6ph) and they are fine.
 
The fish you linked to is okay but looks like a goldfish too me.

Anyway, I really want the german rams because of their color, a point on which I won't settle for less. I think bolivian rams may be better suited to my water conditions and tank since they are hardier and still very pretty. Plus they like to dig, it'd be nice to see someone playing in the sand I've provided. If I can find them of course.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom