Gold Rams

[Valyrian]

I'm interested in keeping a gold ram or two. Would it be ok to keep a single ram in a tank? Because I vaguely remember someone telling me that they should be in pairs. If that's the case, if I just select one male and one female at random and put them in a tank, will they be ok together and maybe breed? Or will I have to find a pair that have already paired up?

 

[sylvia]

A pair is better for gold rams. What size tank do you have? If you manage to sex a male and female, they'll eventualy pair up but the length of time it takes for them to settle for each other is a different matter and entirely unpredictable. Also note that you need not buy a proven pair. If the fish at your LFS are relatively mature, you may be able to spot a pair or a couple of fish that look to be on the verge of pairing up/spawning.

 

[Valyrian]

I was planning to put them in my 10 gallon but I'm still considering if I should. It would be planted and the filter turns over 100 or 150 gph I'm not really sure. I'm hoping that would keep the water quality good. Also, if they do breed, I have a 55 gallon that I could move the babies to.

 

[Katchan]

A 10 Gallon should be OK for a pair, though many members would argue other wise, just watch your stocking levels if planning a community. A couple of things to watch out for while they are open spawners a few caves and moderate planting is good. Also if they get to they stage of breeding and hatching eggs (some rams dont do well in that department) the males can get a bit aggressive to the female after the hatching so if she is unable to hide in the small tank she will need to be moved until the fry can be transferred. Even though you have a good turnover with the filter many rams can be finiky so a regular water change and hoover should still be done at least weekly, more if your paranoid.

 

[DarkElf]

Actually, as they are the same species as blue rams, I'd have to say a 10 is fine. The one pair I have in a tank that small just spawned-for the second time in 3 weeks (I moved the brats a week and a half ago). They spawn more than any other fish in my house, so I'd have to say they are perfectly happy in there

The only thing though, is the water changes-to keep them happy, I have to do water changes every 2-3 days....