Keeping ram cichlids

[Nik_n]

Hello everyone, 

I was considering adding a pair or a trio of ram cichlids (probably german blue/gold) to my planted community 50gallon tank, stocked with 2 angelfish, 2 blue gouramis, 5 columbian tetras and three bristle nose pleocs. I had some concerns as this would be the first time I keep rams. 

I keep the tank at 27°C. I know rams require higher temperatures but would they be alright at 27/28°C? 

In terms of breeding:

In case I would decide to breed (if I could get a pair form the trio) I would condition them in the main tank and then transfer them to a breeding container/ fry grow out where I would raise the temperature t0 29/30°C. 

Would it work out?  

[Fish Folk]

On 12/24/2021 at 3:38 PM, Nik_n said:

Hello everyone, 

I was considering adding a pair or a trio of ram cichlids (probably german blue/gold) to my planted community 50gallon tank, stocked with 2 angelfish, 2 blue gouramis, 5 columbian tetras and three bristle nose pleocs. I had some concerns as this would be the first time I keep rams. 

I keep the tank at 27°C. I know rams require higher temperatures but would they be alright at 27/28°C? 

In terms of breeding:

In case I would decide to breed (if I could get a pair form the trio) I would condition them in the main tank and then transfer them to a breeding container/ fry grow out where I would raise the temperature t0 29/30°C. 

Would it work out?  

I think this could work out fine. 27-C is just fine for Rams. They may need a little time to adjust to their tank mates. Sometimes a trio works, but often there is "a third wheel" who gets chased or bullied -- either a subdominant male, or a non-favored female. Not always... but sometimes. We've bred a number before. I've been keeping a GBR breeding journal going for awhile, started this past summer. My son bred a hoard of Golden Opal Rams (a 2nd generation cross from an Electric Blue and a Golden Ram). You can watch his videos here...

 

[anewbie]

I would definitely go for 2; preferably m/f but m/m can also work sometimes. Also i would think about raising the temp to 28; while 27 can work a bit warmer is more reliable. Remember rams have a low tolerance to sudden change in temp so when you do water changes make sure the new water is the same temp as the old water.

[Nik_n]

Thank you for the replies I'm glad rams would fit in the tank. I will go for a pair f/m then, still not sure which type tho. 

On 12/25/2021 at 7:49 AM, Fish Folk said:

I think this could work out fine. 27-C is just fine for Rams. They may need a little time to adjust to their tank mates. Sometimes a trio works, but often there is "a third wheel" who gets chased or bullied -- either a subdominant male, or a non-favored female. Not always... but sometimes. We've bred a number before. I've been keeping a GBR breeding journal going for awhile, started this past summer. My son bred a hoard of Golden Opal Rams (a 2nd generation cross from an Electric Blue and a Golden Ram). You can watch his videos here...

 

Thank you this will be very helpful!