How Many Blue Rams In 40b?

I had a m/f pair of gbr that were healthy and layed eggs maybe 4 times. Unfortunately the female died in December for unknown reasons, really. Anyways, how many can I put in a 40 breeder? I already have 1 male, so would it be possible to add 2 females or is 1 female and male the limit?

Stocking:
- 7 False Network (Sodalis) Corydoras
- 11 Rummy Nose Tetra
- 1 Flash Pleco
- 1 M GBR

 

I would say 4-5. They are a shoaling cichlid by nature and can be in groups better than many cichlids. I'd strive for 1 or 2 males at the most though

 

I would say 4-5. They are a shoaling cichlid by nature and can be in groups better than many cichlids. I'd strive for 1 or 2 males at the most though

Is that actually true? IME a mated pair will just harass every other ram in the tank if it isn't large enough, unless of course you have a very large group.

 

Is that actually true? IME a mated pair will just harass every other ram in the tank if it isn't large enough, unless of course you have a very large group.

I was thinking that as well

 

I was thinking that as well

That's exactly what happens in my tanks, even my larger ones. I think you should just get another female honestly, don't get 2 since they form monogamous pairs and the lone female will get harassed.

 

They are a geophagine species. Most in that group are known to do well in groups. I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise.

I know a local breeder that keeps 2 pair in a 30 long and has produced a ton of offspring and made a pretty penny doing it over the years. While it is commonly said that blue rams do form monogamous pairs I've seen others say they do better in harems so I don't believe either case is a solid rule.

 

I've seen others say they do better in harems so I don't believe either case is a solid rule.

True. I've personally never had a harem work, however. Just ends up being a pair with a lonely, stressed-out female.

 

They are a geophagine species. Most in that group are known to do well in groups. I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise.

I know a local breeder that keeps 2 pair in a 30 long and has produced a ton of offspring and made a pretty penny doing it over the years. While it is commonly said that blue rams do form monogamous pairs I've seen others say they do better in harems so I don't believe either case is a solid rule.

Wow I definitely will consider that