Keyholes or Rams for my community tank?

[Tayful]

Well, I'm looking to buy myself a "real" tank soon, meaning a big one - I've been looking around and saw a 65 gallon I adore. I plan to start a community tank, but I do want variety so I was going to add some peaceful cichlids.

I'm thinking of either keyholes or rams, but I'm not too sure. I like keyholes because they're so darn cute, but I love the coloration and the stunningness of the rams. Which to choose? Which would be better for a community tank?

If I picked rams, I do hear the German Blue Rams are a bit less hardy and like their water qualities very perfect, so if I got rams would Bolivian Rams be the best for me?

I would plan to get at least two of whichever I chose (keyholes or rams), a pair. I cannot decide which would be best for me though. I'd like to hear some advice from you experts.

[Dino]

What's your pH?
Rams do best in a lower pH.
Keyholes are less picky about pH.

[Kevin]

i think you could do both...or 2 pairs of one kind in a larger tank that has decent hiding areas(clay pots, live plants, and driftwood would be best)

[Tayful]

Dino, thanks for your help. Like I said I haven't quite bought the tank yet (right now I have a 10 gallon, but I'm planning to get at least a 65 gallon I saw). I've been doing a lot of research for months and right now I'm searching for a decently priced tank I like. Thanks for your advice!

Kevin, I was maybe thinking I could do a pair of both but right now I'm not sure. I know I would have room if, like you said, I had hiding places. But I'm not sure if I'd rather pick one species and then have two pairs, or have both and have one pair of each. I guess that's a decision I'll have to make though. Thanks for your help!

[Kevin]

have you checked craigslist for a cheap tank?

[Tayful]

Originally Posted by Kevin

have you checked craigslist for a cheap tank?

I've tried doing that but I guess I must be doing it wrong because no results were returned for my area. But there is a family-run fish store here in my area that has some full tank, stand, hood, etc. for good prices and those tanks are brand new. I'm just keeping my eyes open for anything I like (I'm sort of picky with how it looks), but if you have any other suggestions please let me know - thanks so much!

[Kevin]

have you checked the larger cities you would be willing to drive to?
i found a fully equipped 55gal in my area for $70
...i had been keeping in contact w/ the seller, but when my parents finally agreed to it, someone else had contacted them about an hour b4 me...they eventually got the tank

[Tayful]

Originally Posted by Kevin

have you checked the larger cities you would be willing to drive to?
i found a fully equipped 55gal in my area for $70
...i had been keeping in contact w/ the seller, but when my parents finally agreed to it, someone else had contacted them about an hour b4 me...they eventually got the tank

Well, since I'm fourteen technically it would be my parents that would be driving, so I'd have to arrange it with them anyway. :P

Wow, a fully equipped 55 gallon for just $70? That's unbelievable. I'm sorry you didn't end up getting the tank, but I'll definitely have to try Craigslist again. It's hard enough for me to save up all my money anyway, and getting a tank that inexpensive (or close to it) would be a big help. Thanks!

[Bill]

Definitely test your pH first - Blue rams at least NEED a PH of below 7 and also very soft water. I kept two in my tank (fairly hard water here, and 7.6 pH) and they didn't do very well at all. Bolivian rams are a lot hardier and would probably do well even if you do have a high pH. As Dino mentioned, keyholes aren't picky, but be careful if you plan to keep the very small community fish like neons, as keyholes can eat these when fully grown. I'm going to try some Bolivians in my tank, they are nearly as great-looking as the Blues, hardier and also at my lfs a lot cheaper!

[Barbrella]

As you said, Keyholes are just so darn cute and just about the most peaceful cichlid around! I LOVED mine, and as has been said, they are easier to keep healthy and happy.

They are very shy though, so need dark substrate and lots of plants and hiding spots. They startle easily, so the tank shouldn't be in a place where there's too much activity going on or where people are passing by a lot.

[Tayful]

Originally Posted by Bill

Definitely test your pH first - Blue rams at least NEED a PH of below 7 and also very soft water. I kept two in my tank (fairly hard water here, and 7.6 pH) and they didn't do very well at all. Bolivian rams are a lot hardier and would probably do well even if you do have a high pH. As Dino mentioned, keyholes aren't picky, but be careful if you plan to keep the very small community fish like neons, as keyholes can eat these when fully grown. I'm going to try some Bolivians in my tank, they are nearly as great-looking as the Blues, hardier and also at my lfs a lot cheaper!

Thanks for letting me know. I think if I do get the rams I will get the Bolivian rams - I would do a lot better with them. I want to be able to properly care for any fish I get. I've come to like the Bolivians a lot too.

Originally Posted by Barbrella

As you said, Keyholes are just so darn cute and just about the most peaceful cichlid around! I LOVED mine, and as has been said, they are easier to keep healthy and happy.

They are very shy though, so need dark substrate and lots of plants and hiding spots. They startle easily, so the tank shouldn't be in a place where there's too much activity going on or where people are passing by a lot.

That's great to know, thank you! I plan to have a planted dark with natural substrates, like dark browns, and most likely with a black or dark background - and the tank will be in my bedroom - so if I got the keyholes I think they'd be fine.

Thanks everyone. This is a hard decision. Maybe I WILL have to get both!

[Barbrella]

Here's a great article on how to create a perfect community for Keyholes!

http://www.wetpetz.com/keyhole.html

When I had mine, I covered the back of the tank with black construction paper and that worked quite well.

[Tayful]

Originally Posted by Barbrella

Here's a great article on how to create a perfect community for Keyholes!

http://www.wetpetz.com/keyhole.html

When I had mine, I covered the back of the tank with black construction paper and that worked quite well.

Thanks for the link, it was very helpful. I think the type of tank I'm going to be planning on setting up will be right for keyholes. Thanks again for all your help!

[Dino]

Though we do not have anything as large as a 65 empty here, we do have dozens of smaller tanks (15-40 gallons).

If you could make it down to the spring Gettogether down here at the Fishhouse the last weekend of April, we would gladly let you have one for a very decent price.