Will Rams Work In My Community?

[TheWanderingFish]

Hello all

I am looking to expand my fish keeping horizons by trying some new types of fish!

(I have added a picture of my tank as it is now for reference)

I currently have a 110L (24G?) Interpet aquarium with LED lighting, Fluval U2 filter and an Interpet heater. The tank has been set up now for approaching 2 years. There is a large piece of bogwood in there under the java fern which is the only live plant in the tank. There is also a resin log, also covered in java fern, that has holes all over it so it acts like a cave. There is also a terracotta pot in each back corner with a covering of, yup, more java fern!

I am going to be adding either a 40L or 100L filter into the tank as I think it needs more filtration for any extra fish and it will be needed for a QT.

My current water test (as of yesterday) are

Ammo - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates 0 (It always seems to be at 0 for many , many months even a year, I figure its down to the plants)
Ph is 7.6 (on high Ph test its 7.4)
Water is moderately hard
Tank temp kept at 26 degrees C

Current stock levels are:

2 x male guppies (will not be replacing when they pass)
7 x neon tetras
5 x harlequin rasboras
4 x ottos
amano shrimp

The tank looks quite bare atm.

My short list had made it to:

2 x german blue rams - My initial choice. Seems there is a temperature conflict here even if my locals are born and raised in similar water conditions, so I have crossed these off, reluctantly (unless I hear otherwise)
1/2 x bolivian rams - these are my alternatives to the above. Any advice? I was hoping for a pair, though I do not want or am looking to breed fish.

Alternatives are swordfish.. though apart from a single male, I am unsure my tank is big enough with the current stock and to be honest, I would like at least 2 new fish, rams + something else that doesn't have to be in big groups of 5+.

I am not keen on the gouramis or angelfish, I initially saw the rams in the shop and that was it

Also, in terms of a QT. I have never really quarantined my fish before as never had the room for two tanks though with these been new fish to me I was hoping to try setting one up. Would my original 40L be ok for 2 weeks? If not I will have to put them straight in the main tank.

I had to 'remove' 3 neons due to NTD so I will not be adding anymore fish until approaching the end of March when I can see whether it is still ongoing or I caught it in time.

Thank you for any help.

 

[AJE]

Welcome to fish lore! What temperature is it running at?

 

[david1978]

Long term the German rams do better 80-82 degrees so yes the be one wouldn't be happy. The Bolivian ram is a better alternative. You probably could do both a male ram and a male swirdtail.

 

[Nick72]

Saeryne - that's a nice tank you have there.

Ram Cichlids (German Blue Ram, Electric Blue Ram, etc..) do require a higher temperature with 28c (82.4f) being the minimum.

They also require soft water. You mentioned your water is moderately hard, this could be a big issue for Ram Cichlids.

When you say moderately hard water what are your readings?

 

[TheWanderingFish]

Welcome to fish lore! What temperature is it running at?

As I wrote in the initial post, its running at 26 degrees C which is .. *googles* ... 78.8F.

 

[TheWanderingFish]

Long term the German rams do better 80-82 degrees so yes the be one wouldn't be happy. The Bolivian ram is a better alternative. You probably could do both a male ram and a male swirdtail.

Yes, I figured a Bolivian would be best of the two. One of each is a potential, though I feel like I would be getting only half the enjoyment with a single Ram ^^ Its an option though.

 

[TheWanderingFish]

Saeryne - that's a nice tank you have there.

Ram Cichlids (German Blue Ram, Electric Blue Ram, etc..) do require a higher temperature with 28c (82.4f) being the minimum.

They also require soft water. You mentioned your water is moderately hard, this could be a big issue for Ram Cichlids.

When you say moderately hard water what are your readings?

Thanks! I just re-added the black background as I was getting itchy fingers to changes things.

I do not have a reading for my water hardness, only what I can find online for water in my area (which is sitting on limestone), though by the limescale it leaves in the kettle (unless we use a filter jug) and around the top line of the tank, its hard.

Sounds crazy.. but would the water filter be of use to remove some hardness?

 

[Nick72]

I'm not sure what you mean by water filter?

If you mean using a filter jug I doubt it.

The first step would be to get KH and GH test kits to see what you are actually dealing with.

 

[Hurricaneharry]

I've got exactly the same tank
I was a bit concerned about the filter too but seems to be doing a good job as your parameters are all good
I've got a community tank with a pair of Bolivian rams though they can bicker at first mine have calmed down now after a couple of weeks
Great little fish
I'd also recommend sterbaI corys 5-6

 

[TheWanderingFish]

I'm not sure what you mean by water filter?

If you mean using a filter jug I doubt it.

The first step would be to get KH and GH test kits to see what you are actually dealing with.

I am on a budget and I am not sure I can spend money on something like a test kit I will be only using once. I am very much on a only buy what I absolutely need. So No test kits for me unfortunately.

 

[TheWanderingFish]

I've got exactly the same tank
I was a bit concerned about the filter too but seems to be doing a good job as your parameters are all good
I've got a community tank with a pair of Bolivian rams though they can bicker at first mine have calmed down now after a couple of weeks
Great little fish
I'd also recommend sterbaI corys 5-6

Nice! I was originally looking at German Blue as they were slightly smaller, but looks like this will have to be it! I did try my smaller 40L filter in (interpet PF mini) and BOY it was noisey! Vibrated the glass like crazy so had to remove it lol.

That is my worry hence I needed to check. I won't have anywhere else to put them if something goes wrong so I need to do all I can to get it right!

 

[TheWanderingFish]

So would the rams be ok in a QT of only 40L for 2 weeks? If not I will have to put them in either straight in the tank or buy a cheap plastic tub. (tight budget and limited space).

Not a problem anymore, have found a good food safe 64l tub I can use

 

[grump299]

HI welcome to fishlore.. imo your stocked and too add another fish now with 18 fish and shrimp in a 24gal would be asking for trouble.. If you are set on adding a fish a electric blue ram would work and a 40l or 10gal would do if that's all you have for QT.. I QT fish for a min of a month before adding to display tank... last I would also add an aquaclear 30 for a second filter they are not really expensive and can be customized easy to suit your set up

 

[TheWanderingFish]

HI welcome to fishlore.. imo your stocked and too add another fish now with 18 fish and shrimp in a 24gal would be asking for trouble.. If you are set on adding a fish a electric blue ram would work and a 40l or 10gal would do if that's all you have for QT.. I QT fish for a min of a month before adding to display tank... last I would also add an aquaclear 30 for a second filter they are not really expensive and can be customized easy to suit your set up

Thanks for your advice.

I will not be getting any fish at least till the end of the month and I am not expecting the guppies to last all that much longer either, going on their age and how they others have gone over the last month or so. (I might even wait till then).

I already have two spare 100L filters (marina 110I and Interpet CF2) , one I am going to add as a second filter and the other along with a spare heater I can use in the QT. Also I have found a 64L tub I can use as a QT.

In your opinion, this would work?

 

[grump299]

Ok that sounds good add another filter and seed for a month then it will be ready to move to QT tank and then imo Qt new fish for a month to be 100% sure they are healthy

 

[TheWanderingFish]

I feel better about having a larger tank for longer quarantine for that so its no problem

Ok that sounds good add another filter and seed for a month then it will be ready to move to QT tank and then imo Qt new fish for a month to be 100% sure they are healthy

Ahh scratch adding one of my spare filters OMG they were both so LOUD with vibration! I bought a previous model Fluval U3 for less then a new U2... haha!

 

[TheWanderingFish]

I feel better about having a larger tank for longer quarantine for that so its no problem


Ahh scratch adding one of my spare filters OMG they were both so LOUD with vibration! I bought a previous model Fluval U3 for less then a new U2... haha!

Turns out the Fluval u3 was just as loud, so disappointing... Back it goes. Still glad I can get this all sorted before getting new fish

 

[Feohw]

Hello all

I am looking to expand my fish keeping horizons by trying some new types of fish!

(I have added a picture of my tank as it is now for reference)

I currently have a 110L (24G?) Interpet aquarium with LED lighting, Fluval U2 filter and an Interpet heater. The tank has been set up now for approaching 2 years. There is a large piece of bogwood in there under the java fern which is the only live plant in the tank. There is also a resin log, also covered in java fern, that has holes all over it so it acts like a cave. There is also a terracotta pot in each back corner with a covering of, yup, more java fern!

I am going to be adding either a 40L or 100L filter into the tank as I think it needs more filtration for any extra fish and it will be needed for a QT.

My current water test (as of yesterday) are

Ammo - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates 0 (It always seems to be at 0 for many , many months even a year, I figure its down to the plants)
Ph is 7.6 (on high Ph test its 7.4)
Water is moderately hard
Tank temp kept at 26 degrees C

Current stock levels are:

2 x male guppies (will not be replacing when they pass)
7 x neon tetras
5 x harlequin rasboras
4 x ottos
amano shrimp

The tank looks quite bare atm.

My short list had made it to:

2 x german blue rams - My initial choice. Seems there is a temperature conflict here even if my locals are born and raised in similar water conditions, so I have crossed these off, reluctantly (unless I hear otherwise)
1/2 x bolivian rams - these are my alternatives to the above. Any advice? I was hoping for a pair, though I do not want or am looking to breed fish.

Alternatives are swordfish.. though apart from a single male, I am unsure my tank is big enough with the current stock and to be honest, I would like at least 2 new fish, rams + something else that doesn't have to be in big groups of 5+.

I am not keen on the gouramis or angelfish, I initially saw the rams in the shop and that was it

Also, in terms of a QT. I have never really quarantined my fish before as never had the room for two tanks though with these been new fish to me I was hoping to try setting one up. Would my original 40L be ok for 2 weeks? If not I will have to put them straight in the main tank.

I had to 'remove' 3 neons due to NTD so I will not be adding anymore fish until approaching the end of March when I can see whether it is still ongoing or I caught it in time.

Thank you for any help.

First of all its important to note that 110l is 29 gallons not 24. I'd add two bolivians to that tank, just make sure that it's a male and female. Do some research into sexing before you get them and then show us some pics to help sex them accurately. Rams do fight on occasion, no damage is ever really done but two in a 40l may cause a bit of havok. Are you able to add a divider or get them one at a time? If not just add something to block line of sight.

 

[TheWanderingFish]

First of all its important to note that 110l is 29 gallons not 24. I'd add two bolivians to that tank, just make sure that it's a male and female. Do some research into sexing before you get them and then show us some pics to help sex them accurately. Rams do fight on occasion, no damage is ever really done but two in a 40l may cause a bit of havok. Are you able to add a divider or get them one at a time? If not just add something to block line of sight.

Seems the google conversion had me confused with the two types of gallons!

I have done a bit of reading about sexing though I plan to go down to my LPS and local fish specialist store to have a look at them first. I am hoping my fish specialist store will be able to help me more with sexing and such then the LPS.

I have a 64L tub to quarantine them in, if it comes to it I have some plastic tapestry canvas I was using as dividers in the 40L which I can set up to create a break down the middle for sight lines, if not separate it completely.

Baring that, I wonder if my specialist shop would keep an eye out for a pair to sell me. We shall see.

Thanks for you input and idea for the quarantine divider

 

[TheWanderingFish]

Thanks for everything guys I just have one further question.

Although I would like the ram/s.. I don't want to breed them and end up over filling the tank. Do they have requirements for breeding so I don't have to worry, or would I be best only getting one (which seems a shame)?