50 Gallon stocking plan with Tetras and Bolivian Rams

[dbaldwin]

I’ve been struggling with a stocking plan for my new 50 gallon with plenty of plants and java moss and hiding spots.

What do y’all think of the following:
2 Bolivian Rams (1 male and 1 female???, least knowledgeable about BRs)
20 ember tetras (initial stock)
5 albino corys (after a few months)
5 otocinclus (once I get that good biofilm going)
MAYBE a few shrimp

Anyway, I’m open to ideas on numbers and the mix
Thanks!

 

[TClare]

I have never kept shrimp but I think the rams would probably eat them. You could easily have 4 rams or maybe more. When they start to breed I am not sure how they will get on with the Corydoras. Others who have tried this combination may be able to comment on this, otherwise it should be good.

 

[smileyshrimp]

I’ve been struggling with a stocking plan for my new 50 gallon with plenty of plants and java moss and hiding spots.

What do y’all think of the following:
2 Bolivian Rams (1 male and 1 female???, least knowledgeable about BRs)
20 ember tetras (initial stock)
5 albino corys (after a few months)
5 otocinclus (once I get that good biofilm going)
MAYBE a few shrimp

Anyway, I’m open to ideas on numbers and the mix
Thanks!

sound pretty good, but like TClare said the rams would likely get the shrimp

 

[Flyfisha]

I would not try and make a pair of Bolivian rams they are not guppies they choose a mate . They continue to test each other’s commitment to the bond.
Get 6 or more and allow them to pick a mate. If your intention is to breed the Bolivians you will need another 50 gallon I believe?
I currently have a female with a cloud of fry in a 50 gallon . I removed ten Bolivian rams ‘ten corydoras ,a mature BN pleco , two small groups of left over ageing tetras and three mature Siamese algae eaters. Only you can decide if that is to heavily stocked? Apparently the Bolivian rams think the tank could take another 100 Bolivians. Only a water test and what you want to look at will tell you for sure if your tank is over stocked.

I continue to change 45% of the water every week.
And for the stocking police most but not all the fish are now in a 40 gallon as I wait until I can move Mum and the fry to a different tank.
First snapshot of the fry.

short answer.
I have no experience with otocinclus but the rest of your stocking will work.

 

[TClare]

Otocinclus should be fine provided that the tank is well established with plenty of plants.

Also when you buy them make sure they look healthy (not skinny with sunken stomachs).

 

[Graydog913]

I have 2 female GBR and 1 male GBR
The male GBR courted both females,he separated them to opposite sides of the tank. That went on for about a week. This morning I noticed that they laid eggs last night, so I guess he made his choice.
Tank mates
10 zebra D's
8 assorted Corey's
5 Otto's
2 SAEs
Handful of snails , no shrimp
So far no real aggressive behavior
40 gallon breeder planted tank

 

[dbaldwin]

I would not try and make a pair of Bolivian rams they are not guppies they choose a mate . They continue to test each other’s commitment to the bond.
Get 6 or more and allow them to pick a mate. If your intention is to breed the Bolivians you will need another 50 gallon I believe?
I currently have a female with a cloud of fry in a 50 gallon . I removed ten Bolivian rams ‘ten corydoras ,a mature BN pleco , two small groups of left over ageing tetras and three mature Siamese algae eaters. Only you can decide if that is to heavily stocked? Apparently the Bolivian rams think the tank could take another 100 Bolivians. Only a water test and what you want to look at will tell you for sure if your tank is over stocked.

I continue to change 45% of the water every week.
And for the stocking police most but not all the fish are now in a 40 gallon as I wait until I can move Mum and the fry to a different tank.View attachment 860156
First snapshot of the fry.
View attachment 860155
short answer.
I have no experience with otocinclus but the rest of your stocking will work.

Thank you so much for all the info! Inreally appreciate it.

I have never kept shrimp but I think the rams would probably eat them. You could easily have 4 rams or maybe more. When they start to breed I am not sure how they will get on with the Corydoras. Others who have tried this combination may be able to comment on this, otherwise it should be good.

Thanks for the info about the shrimpies!

Otocinclus should be fine provided that the tank is well established with plenty of plants.

Also when you buy them make sure they look healthy (not skinny with sunken stomachs).

Thanks, good advice!

I have 2 female GBR and 1 male GBR
The male GBR courted both females,he separated them to opposite sides of the tank. That went on for about a week. This morning I noticed that they laid eggs last night, so I guess he made his choice.
Tank mates
10 zebra D's
8 assorted Corey's
5 Otto's
2 SAEs
Handful of snails , no shrimp
So far no real aggressive behavior
40 gallon breeder planted tank
View attachment 860231

Thanks and nice tank!

sound pretty good, but like TClare said the rams would likely get the shrimp

Thanks and GREAT forum handle!