Bolivian Rams and Keyhole cichlids

[New Boy]

Are both of these ok in moderately hard water? PH is 7.6. I've seen some at the local fish store which are currently kept in that water. Will they eat flake (as part of a mixed diet obviously)? My ram struggles to compete for food at the moment with the congo tetras and rosy barbs, will it be the same if I get any keyholes or bolivian rams? Will they hide all of the time? My tank is full of plastic, silk and real plants so I'd like to see them out a bit.

Finally, which is best in peoples opinion - keyhole or bolivian ram? Can't make my mind up which one to get a couple of.

Thanks
Andy

 

[ozone]

hello andy

i live in east sussex. i keep 4 bolivian rams, 2 blue rams and 2 gold rams, among various other fish. my tank is constantly 7.5 ph, with moderately hard water, kh about 4 degrees hardness, gh about 10 degrees hardness,its difficult to be exact because i use the test strips for gh and kh. ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 5/10 and a temp of 27 degrees f. i have had no problems at all with any of my rams in this water chemistry, and after a day or so of settling in the colours came back and these fish are amazing.
i have read that bolivian rams are the hardier variety and possibly best to start with if you have had no experience with rams before.

hope this has been a help to you,,go for it,,you wont regret it, rams are a great addition to a tank, lovely personality.

john