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I've been thinking about getting rams, and I'd really like German or Blue rams. I have some questions...

1. My water has a pH of 7.0 and 1 dGH. Would they prefer more acidic water?

2. I have heard they are very delicate...and I'm a little concerned about that. They would go in my 50 gallon, which is incredibly understocked. I do a 20% water change every 1-2 weeks. Is this acceptable for them?

3. How about the male:female ratio. If they were to breed, would my tank be a battle ground? Can I just get a few males?

I would not get them untill after my vacation, which is in a week and a half. I just want to get some opinions.

They do like the water to be a little acidic but 7 might do well. I would go with one male and two females. They are not to bad so a ratio dose'nt really matter but just in case. Also you can put males together and if the rams were to breed they would defend their territory and eggs/fry very well so make sure you have a good cave that is surrounded by some plants. Also I would do a 20% water change once a week if possible.

I own three rams, they're living in my 33 gal as we speak. Don't under ANY circumstances mix males with females unless you plan on moving the pair into a tank of their own. Do not put multiple pairs together. I would reccomend doing all males, all the same size, all juvies if possible, and add all 3 at the same time. The ph is fine, i keep mine in 7.4 right now; in all honesty pH is not a huge concern. As for water changes, I do exactly the same- one 20% water change every week, sometimes a little more than a week between. As it is my rams are a happy blue color with orange fins and lovely blue reflective spots. They also seem to be growing quite quickly in these conditions.

[span class="edited"][Edited by 2004-08-06 22:39][/span]

Thanks for the replies. Veteric--I think I'll go with three males. I really can't afford breeding aggression.

no problem, which tank are you going to have them in? I'de personaly watch out keeping it with any gourami, my dwarf gourami killed one of the first two rams i got, so he went back to the fish store. I'm not sure if its a problem other people have had, likely nothing to worry about.

They would be going in the 50 gallon tank. I have no worries about my moonlight gourami--he is very, very gentle. There is plenty of space to define territories, and caves for hiding if there is agression.