How many rams?

[Megatron]

I am setting up a new 55 gal. It will have sand, tiger drift wood with lots of hiding spots, some rocks and some live plants, but mostly I want the open clean look. I will have two modified HOB filters each rated for the full tank. 

So starting up the tank isn't an issue, however, I have recently fell in love with a blue ram I have in another tank. Now I know I want as many and as many different kinds in this new tank as I can and be healthy!!! 

How many (and how many different kinds) could realistically live happily and healthy in this tank? 

And should I add other fish kids in with them, if so, what? Female bettas, (probably not enough plants in my plan) dwarf gouramis, 3 angels?

 

Tell me your thoughts and help me with your experience!

[AquaAggie]

@Megatrondidn’t waste any time joining I see. Hope you find some more answers. 

[Megatron]

1 minute ago, AquaAggie said:

@Megatrondidn’t waste any time joining I see. Hope you find some more answers. 

Thanks for sending me this way! I also hope for some great knowledge!!

[Fish Folk]

Here’s a few videos we made of our stocked Ram tanks. You can shoehorn tons into a 55 gal if you keep up maintenance. They like it hot - 82-85 degrees F. 
 

 

[FrozenFins]

Rams like it HOT, at least 82 (but ideally 86). Therefore you would be better off with dwarf south american cichlids like angelfish, apistogramma, etc. Even cardinal tetras would work. I wouldn't do female bettas with anything semi aggressive like angelfish or rams, and defentley not with a goruami.   

@Fish Folk has some GREAT videos there, defentley worth a watch

[Megatron]

18 minutes ago, James Black said:

Rams like it HOT, at least 82 (but ideally 86). Therefore you would be better off with dwarf south american cichlids like angelfish, apistogramma, etc. Even cardinal tetras would work. I wouldn't do female bettas with anything semi aggressive like angelfish or rams, and defentley not with a goruami.   

@Fish Folk has some GREAT videos there, defentley worth a watch

Apistogramma? With the rams, that would be awesome! And I have some cardinals, they would be good dither fish. Do I need dither fish? 

[Megatron]

@Fish Folk those gold rams with the blue fins!!!! Oh my heart! They are so pretty!!!

[Fish Folk]

@Megatron Thanks!  They were 2nd gen fry from a cross between a gold and an electric blue. If you want down the rabbit hole on how we breed them, glad to share. 

[Megatron]

Just now, Fish Folk said:

@Megatron Thanks!  They were 2nd gen fry from a cross between a gold and an electric blue. If you want down the rabbit hole on how we breed them, glad to share. 

I have to say, right now I am happy with happy fish. I am totally into watching and just thinking they are pretty!

I am new to this forum, I would love to find a breeder to get healthy fish from, but I don't want to break any rules. 

 

Any advice? I kinda like the more unique ones. 

[Fish Folk]

Personally, I'd seriously caution against ordering fish online unless it's next day guaranteed -- and you'll pay an arm and a leg for it! Aquahuna.com is sponsored, so we can recommend them here on the Forum. I'll remark: they use very humble, painfully honest photos of the fish. My guess is that the fish end up looking a ton better once they settle into your water. Kind of the reverse of what you see with a lot of retailers that show the very best photos . . . only for fish you buy to end up being disappointing once they arrive. Depending on where you live, chances are good you'll find healthy, beautiful Rams eventually at an LFS.