Gold Ram

[paulkat]

Hi everyone, brand new to the world of tropical aquariums, and i'm in the process of setting up and cycling my new 180L tank.

We have currently decided on 2 Angel fish, 6 pentazona barbs, some shrimp, and in a few months time a snowball pleco.

We would like to add some gold ram (maybe 4 or 6) when the tank is ready, however are concerned as we live in Guildford, Surrey, which I understand to be a hard water area.

Does anyone have any experience of keeping these fish in a hard water area, or have any thoughts on the subject, as i have read that they have to be kept in soft water.

I also understand that cardinals are supposed to be kept in soft water, but know of people keeping them quite happily in hard water areas??

Many thanks for your help in advance.

Paul.

 

[Puffdaddy]

All the fish that you want to keep thrive in soft water. If your absolutely sure that your water is hard there are a few ways to lower it.
1. add peat moss to your filter
2. use blackwater extract (good idea for many Amazonian fish)
3. inject carbon dioxide
4. using reverse osmosis water
5. adding commercial products

Before you consider any of these make sure you test the PH and general hardness of your tap water. Then decide which action is best for you.

 

[vinylman]

If you're new to fishkeeping, it's probably best to test your water, then choose fish to suit; altering the water is all very well, but what happens if, for some reason, you can't get what you need when you need it?. As a newbie, start simple and keep it simple. Also, I wouldn't add Cardinals until your tank has been cycled for 2-3 months - they prefer a matured tank. Unfortunately, if you add them while they're still small, they'll end up as a snack for the Angels.

 

[Biulu]

I live in a hard water area as well, and am also keen on getting Rams. So, I went to the lfs, and asked for a water sample of the tank they had the rams in. It turns out that the water parameters are the same as in my tank!

So, I asked a bit around here, and it turns out that they have been breeding them in this hard water, and although not ideal, they are used to it now. So, once my new tank is cycled, I will go and get them. I do plan on having peat moss in my filter though, to bring the pH down to around 7.5

 

[Puffdaddy]

I live in a hard water area as well, and am also keen on getting Rams. So, I went to the lfs, and asked for a water sample of the tank they had the rams in. It turns out that the water parameters are the same as in my tank!

So, I asked a bit around here, and it turns out that they have been breeding them in this hard water, and although not ideal, they are used to it now. So, once my new tank is cycled, I will go and get them. I do plan on having peat moss in my filter though, to bring the pH down to around 7.5

As soon as your water reaches the ph you want, take out the peat as it will go bad over time. Just a heads up in case you are unaware.

 

[paulkat]

thanks for your feedback guys, all very useful

 

[Jamesham]

for my advice, dont buy rams in hard water. i had them before. they were fine for a month until the water became hard and then they died in quick sucsesion (spelling).

other apistogrammas are usually better