High pH for ram cichlids?

Howdy,

I’m currently setting up a 55 gallon tank, and I was hoping to put some rams in it. The only problem is that my tap water’s pH is fairly high, probably between 7.9-8.2.

Has anyone had any success raising rams in this environment? I was thinking about getting a pair or two of angel rams, as well as a pair of golden rams.

The tank will be fairly heavily planted, and I’m planning on putting in a large piece of driftwood that will go across the whole tank. I’ll measure the pH again after about a week to see how much the driftwood brings it down.

On a side note, does anyone have any input on these two different rams’ compatibility with each other?

 

I don't think they will have a good time in that high of pH. Angel rams and gold rams are the same species, only angel rams are bred to be deformed.

 

I don't think they will have a good time in that high of pH. Angel rams and gold rams are the same species, only angel rams are bred to be deformed.

Do you have any tips on lowering pH?

 

RO water is one of the options to get it down.

 

RO water is one of the options to get it down.

How would I use RO water?

 

It's a system you hook up to your water, costs about $180 I think. But prices vary

 

The driftwood will likely lower your pH, and besides using RO, an active substrate would be a good route. One can add alder cones, catappa leaves, and other tannin leeching things as well.
That said, my tap pH is similar and I've raised rams without issue in it. My water is very soft though (TDS 40-50), so the pH tends to settle a bit lower (7.6). Rams need consistency of parameters above all, ideally soft water that's kept pretty warm (+-82F / 28C or so). Also, ideally into a tank that has matured/ run several months.

 

TDS matters more then pH.
I raise my rams in 7.6 pH without any issues ever ..
Sometimes high pH does not mean high TDS which is really more important IMO.