Praecox Rainbows And Bolivian Rams?

Hi. Is anyone successfully keeping Dwarf Neon Rainbows and Bolivian Rams in the same tank? I currently have 6 Praecox Rainbows in a 40 gallon and would love to add Bolivian Rams, but from what I understand, the Bolivian Rams prefer more acidic water and the Rainbows are the opposite. My Ph is 7.4. Any advice from those who have experience keeping both fish would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

No problem. I once kept a breeding pair of Bolivians in my 8.2 PH tap water. most aquarium fish are raised on Florida fish farms in hard water w/ elevated PH.

 

No problem. I once kept a breeding pair of Bolivians in my 8.2 PH tap water. most aquarium fish are raised on Florida fish farms in hard water w/ elevated PH.

That’s great to hear. Thanks so much for replying to my post!

 

I have 7 praecox rainbows and 2 bolivian rams right now. My pH is around 7.4 (soft water with low KH that I keep stable with crushed coral). I haven't seen any issues.

 

Thanks for responding. I have crushed coral as well since I also have low kh. What is your ratio of females to males? I have 4 females and 2 males. Was thinking of getting a few more and was considering one more male and one female, although maybe should get 2 more females and one male so ratio is two females to one male. Also, do you have any bottom feeders as well? Was considering along with the dwarf rainbows and a few Bolivian rams, would get 6 cory catfish, but don’t want to overload my tank. (Will not be adding them all at once!) It’s a 40 breeder. Decisions... Thanks again.

 

Thanks for responding. I have crushed coral as well since I also have low kh. What is your ratio of females to males? I have 4 females and 2 males. Was thinking of getting a few more and was considering one more male and one female, although maybe should get 2 more females and one male so ratio is two females to one male. Also, do you have any bottom feeders as well? Was considering along with the dwarf rainbows and a few Bolivian rams, would get 6 cory catfish, but don’t want to overload my tank. (Will not be adding them all at once!) It’s a 40 breeder. Decisions... Thanks again.

When I first got them I asked for 3 females and 2 males but was not diligent in watching the guy and ended up at home with 3 males and 2 females, so I went and grabbed 2 more females the next day so I ended up with 4 females, 3 males. So, while I think 5-6 females, 2 males would be a better ratio, I haven't seen any ill effects & don't have room in my tank to add another female (so I think you would be fine either way)!

I have 1 bristlenose pleco in addition to the rainbowfish and rams which leaves me fully stocked in my 29gal! I've found using sites like was really helpful in giving me information about stocking. From what I can see you wouldn't be overstocked with 6 cory's, 8 rainbowfish and up to 5 bolivian rams (however, with more than 1-2 rams you need to be more careful about your ratio of males/females)!

Good luck

 

Thanks for your feedback! Super helpful. Take care.

When I first got them I asked for 3 females and 2 males but was not diligent in watching the guy and ended up at home with 3 males and 2 females, so I went and grabbed 2 more females the next day so I ended up with 4 females, 3 males. So, while I think 5-6 females, 2 males would be a better ratio, I haven't seen any ill effects & don't have room in my tank to add another female (so I think you would be fine either way)!

I have 1 bristlenose pleco in addition to the rainbowfish and rams which leaves me fully stocked in my 29gal! I've found using sites like was really helpful in giving me information about stocking. From what I can see you wouldn't be overstocked with 6 cory's, 8 rainbowfish and up to 5 bolivian rams (however, with more than 1-2 rams you need to be more careful about your ratio of males/females)!

Good luck

I have 7 praecox rainbows and 2 bolivian rams right now. My pH is around 7.4 (soft water with low KH that I keep stable with crushed coral). I haven't seen any issues.

Sorry. Two last last questions, I promise. What temp do you keep your tank at? Currently have it at 76, but wonder if I should increase it a tad for the Rams. Also, Did you drip acclimate your rams? Thanks again.

 

Sorry. Two last last questions, I promise. What temp do you keep your tank at? Currently have it at 76, but wonder if I should increase it a tad for the Rams. Also, Did you drip acclimate your rams? Thanks again.

My tank is around 76-77 degrees. I think the Rams would be fine anywhere from 75-78.

I did not drip acclimate the Rams. I temperature acclimated for 20minutes (closed bag) and then, while still floating in the tank, opened their bags to remove 1cup of their water, and added 1 cup of tank water, waited 15min & added another cup of tank water and repeated that 2-3 more times before netting them and adding them to the tank. They seemed to acclimate fine this way but drip acclimation would surely be even better for them (or any fish)!

 

Thanks yet again for taking the time to answer all of my questions. I really appreciate that and hope to be able to help others when I have more experience. Best wishes to you and your fish.

 

Thanks yet again for taking the time to answer all of my questions. I really appreciate that and hope to be able to help others when I have more experience. Best wishes to you and your fish.

No problem, and thank you!!!! Best wishes to yours as well