Cichlid Phobic?

[jpedersen024]

I really have my eye set on a nice pair of Blue Rams for my 47 g community tank, but everyone I chat with in the stores seem to imply that it's not a good idea. I'd done a fair bit of research, and took good note of what a lot of you keep together here (experts that you all are....), and now I'm wondering how feasible it is?

Are people just stereotyping all cichlids to be very aggressive and not community fish? Or is there something I am overlooking?

 

[diademhill]

Rams can work in a community. What other fish do you have & what are the water parameters please?

 

[jpedersen024]

Other fish are as listed in my profile: platies, danios, algae eater, cory, molly, killi, and various larger tetras. I do have some options in rearranging the population if I need to, but these would complete my set up.

nitrates are 20
nitrites are 0
total hardness (might be too hard...?) is 100-120
alkalinity is 100
ph is 7

My only possible issue was with the hardness of my water, but none of the lfss have asked me about parameters, so I'm assuming that wasn't their first concern.

 

[Captain Retardo]

Most dwarf cichlids are peaceful. Rams need very good water quality though...

 

[freddyk]

Rams are pretty laid back and tend to work in communities, and in a 47g tank there's plenty of space for all. As long as you have the ground cover needed for happy rams, and lots of room for the cory cats and Rams to enjoy the bottom without running into each other all the time, then you should run into few problems. You'll find the time the Rams cause the most trouble is when they are breeding, but this tank is big enough that it should be fine.

Don't worry about parameters, the Rams will do just fine in yours. The higher water hardness could impact the breeding results, but unless you're planning on starting a breeding operation, this doesn't matter much.

Although I think the Rams will work out ok I wouldn't leave you with a warning that indeed all cichlids are territorial to some degree and there are never guarantees. At worst you can remove them if they cause trouble.