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I was out looking for a cichlid to purchase and i was interested in the German blue rams. Any info on tankmates, what to feed it, water parameters, and tank setup?

†Aquapickle†

One thing in here, I would NOT recommend cramming rams in a 5.5 gal tank as per the statement in the first link. I'd go with 15 gal minimum per every 2 rams. Cichlids even the more peaceful varieties can still be territorial and need room. Water changes very important with these guys. Bolivian rams are slightly more forgiving on water quality then German Blue Rams. With german blues mature females have blue speckles within the black spot and a pinkish belly. Looking at the dorsal fin doesn't mean anything, I had females with mohawks just as prominent as the males. Inquire with any ram purchase as to where they originated from and if hormones were in use avoid at all costs.

LOTSA READING FOR YOU.

http://www.aqualandpetsplus.com/Cichlid,%20Rams.htm

Another
http://www.thekrib.com/Apisto/P-ramirezi-faq.html

And
http://members.aol.com/WnyZman/rams.html

Plus Bolivian Rams
http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/profiles/freshwater/cichlids/bram.html

Another on Bolivians
http://www.wetpetz.com/bolivram.htm

The Amazon Nut...

Thank you, very interesting, i was planning on a planted 20 gal., or maybe adding some to my 29gal. Could you stick a school of tetras with them, and still have a peaceful tank?

†Aquapickle†

No problem. Rams are interesting fish.

A planted 20 gal planted would be perfect. I'd go with a male and 2 females, then add 6 otos when the tank is well established and you have some green algae happening as a food source for them.

Regarding your 29, I can't answer that without knowing what fish are currently stocked in there. It may be fully stocked already, or some imcompatible fish in there. Your turn.

"Could you stick a school of tetras with them, and still have a peaceful tank?" - Yup, and Rummynose or Ember tetras would look great and also enjoy a plant tank. Expect rams to be a little territorial around smaller fish though. My rams never killed another fish but thoroughly enjoyed showing who's boss in moments of bravado that was fun to watch.



The Amazon Nut...

Thanks again, the fish in my 29gal. are:

some black neon tetras, neons, glowlites, cories, 1 pleco, and a pair of mollies. it is way overstocked, and i really need to get rid of some, plus my cories keep breeding. But what of these fish are compatable with blue rams.

†Aquapickle†

The German Blue Ram requires a tank of 20 gallons, minimum. The tank should have several dense plant groups and plenty of open swimming space. The German Blue Ram will also need a few caves in which to hide in and stones to spawn on if they are to be breed. Being a peaceful fish, the German Blue Ram makes a wonderful addition to the community tank. However, if kept in an aquarium that lacks hiding places for this fish, they may become aggressive toward small tankmates. i guess they are difficult to care for and the Tank Conditions should be 72-79°F for temp.pH should be 5.0-7.0 and the KH should be 5-12. i hope that what i have told you helped
funnyfish

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http://www.thousandfootkrutch.com
http://www.hawknelson.com

Yes any info is good. Thanks!!

†Aquapickle†