Gold Rams

[George Farmer]

I have a heavily planted tank - see my signature. I'm trading my Angelfish in soon as they've outgrown the tank and becoming too aggressive when spawning. I'm planning on getting a bigger shoal of Cardinal Tetras (25) to replace them but was also considering a pair of Gold Rams (Microgeophagus ramerezi).

Would they be suitable in my water; pH 6.8, KH 3.5, GH 7. I had limited success with some about a year ago when my water was a lot harder, they even spawned. My concern is that they may dig the substrate and upset my plants. Would a single specimen be happy or are they happier in pairs?

 

[freddyk]

Your tank is a nice environment for them, and they will generally leave the plants in peace.

Fish don't experience emotions like happy - as long as they are not stressed, they can be considered 'happy'. Your Ram can be 'happy' alone or as a pair, but I recommend a pair if you want to get the most out of the fish.

 

[Griz]

I agree. Rams enjoy a planted tank and will not bother your plants. Your water parameters are perfect and a 125l tank is a nice size for them. Good call on getting a large school of cardinals too. Sounds like a fantastic setup to me.

 

[George Farmer]

Your tank is a nice environment for them, and they will generally leave the plants in peace.

Fish don't experience emotions like happy - as long as they are not stressed, they can be considered 'happy'. Your Ram can be 'happy' alone or as a pair, but I recommend a pair if you want to get the most out of the fish.

Thanks for the advice. Just to note I meant "happy" in terms of non-stress rather than an emotion, I know better than that. Thanks for clarifying the point though.