A Compatible Ram

`Peter · Jul 8, 2010

Well I currently have one male bolivian ram in my 25 gall tank along with some corydas, an angelfish, honey gourami, and some smaller tetras (cardinals and rummynoses).

I want to purchase another ram. I saw electric blue rams at my LFS but they are way to expensive ($30) for one.

So I am wondering if it is possible that I can buy a german blue ram or a balloon ram to go in my tank. Would it have to be a female or what?

If not I will probably buy another bolivian =)

arobinson1984 · Jul 9, 2010

You'd be better with another bolivian ram.

Electric blues are a morph of german blue rams, both of which are very sensitive and need specific conditions such as:

High temp (28-32 celcius)

Soft water, low PH (5.5-6.5)

Low nitrates - <30ppm

Not too sure about balloon rams to be honest.

Andy

`Peter · Jul 9, 2010

Alright thanks I was leaning to buying another bolivian but the problem would be sexing it and im not in the position to buy over 5 bolivians and let them pair off. I want to get a male and female

Thanks

N0body Of The Goat · Jul 9, 2010

Has your Angel set a table reservation for when it fancies a Cardinal Tetra?

An adult Angel will really appreciate a small length torpedoed fish for breakfast, dinner or lunch... Or perhaps all three!

Oh yeah, a female Bolivan Ram, to answer your actual question (as said above).

`Peter · Jul 9, 2010

Thats one of the reasons I gave my other angelfish away it was bigger and ate 5 of my cardinals. I have a smaller angel now and it keeps to itself so I dont worry about that.

ajs2294 · Jul 9, 2010

Id advise you to stay away from balloon rams! I bought 2 in the past and both died in a relatively fast time frame within 2 months, in perfect water conditions from a good lfs. And in a 25 gallon I really don't advise adding more rams you already have a good full stock and territory would come in to play. If you must get another id go for a female Bolivian just try your best to sex it.
Oh, and that "Small" Angel will be 4 inches in 2 months if your feeding it well, so I hope your cardinals swim fast haha

jonnyf84 · Jul 9, 2010

gold or german or another bolivian, if you wanted other similar cichlids you could go for kribs or apisto's.

`Peter · Jul 9, 2010

Alright thanks everyone. Was just wondering about the balloon rams, I kinda figured they were sensitive to the water and all lol. And yes my black angel does eat a lot tbh. I might plan on trading him away to my LFS in a few months since he does love to eat lol.

coldcazzie · Jul 10, 2010

I thought balloon rams were slightly malformed versions of german blue rams, line bred to enhance the traits? :huh:

Either way, I'd have to say that personally I wouldnt bother putting even another ram in. As someone else has said - you're pretty much at your full stocking, and there is no way to guarantee a female, especially as they are much harder to find than males. You might be better just leaving it as is, and maybe reassessing later if and when you rehome your angel?

`Peter · Jul 10, 2010

hmm not the ones at my fish store. Heres a pic the best one I could find

http

/www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http

/www.tropicalfishforums.co.uk/gallery/files/9/8/sharon_s_balloon_ram.jpg&imgrefurl=http

/www.xiongdudu.com/image/BalloonMollies/9&usg=__CeSlcY-xdpenC_k82EW48W5giys=&h=739&w=986&sz=132&hl=en&start=2&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=YG7LoIrkNZoVsM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=149&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dballoon%2Bram%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1

The balloon ram at my LFS is much more yellowish throughout with maybe one stripe by the eye and much more rounded like a balloon. :good:

ajs2294 · Jul 10, 2010

`Peter said:
hmm not the ones at my fish store. Heres a pic the best one I could find

http/www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http/www.tropicalfishforums.co.uk/gallery/files/9/8/sharon_s_balloon_ram.jpg&imgrefurl=http/www.xiongdudu.com/image/BalloonMollies/9&usg=__CeSlcY-xdpenC_k82EW48W5giys=&h=739&w=986&sz=132&hl=en&start=2&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=YG7LoIrkNZoVsM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=149&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dballoon%2Bram%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1

The balloon ram at my LFS is much more yellowish throughout with maybe one stripe by the eye and much more rounded like a balloon.

Balloon rams are just altered versions of German blue and gold rams, and from what I've experienced have a lot more problems. Oh and they stay quite a bit smaller also.