I Don't Know My Ram Cichlids.

[james_fish]

Recently, my brother gave me 4 Cichlids for my tank as he has bought his old tank and was giving away his stock.
I didn't ask him at the time, I just knew they were Rams.

Since I won't see him any time soon I was wondering if someone could help me tell what species these nice fish are?

I apologize for the picture it was just off my 5mp camera phone.
You should note they have a nice dorsal fin similar to a perch. Black stripes, normally with a main clear one and a few faded. A lovely Red-eye and beautiful blue colour starting to come through. 1-2" in length.

I also apologize for the side on picture, I just did a quicky on ImageShack

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If that did not work check this link:

http/yfrog.com/g0dsc00070j

Thanks in advance, James.

 

[jacko32]

german blue rams i think

 

[walkers101]

yea they are German (butterfly) rams

 

[james_fish]

So they are German Blue Rams?

James.

 

[Truck]

Yes, and they require a high temperature of 28-32oC and a PH of less than 6.5, which I doubt are the conditions you're providing at the moment, what other fish are you keeping?

 

[james_fish]

I doubt you know the conditions in my tank. But anyway, the temperature is at a steady 27 so I will bump it up if needed. The pH is currenylu at 7.2, so which is the best way to lower it?

James.

 

[Truck]

Using bogwood and peat is normally the best way.

 

[james_fish]

Thats what I thought, but I already have to decent pieces of bogwood in my tank? I guess i'll need some peat then.

James.

 

[Truck]

I'm guessing you soaked the bog wood prior to addition? It's the tannins that lower the PH, so you need the wood to be fresh and unwashed.

 

[rdp50734]

You can buy PH buffer 6.5, it will lower the PH to 6.5 and no lower it also has a dechlorinator its made by waterlife 180g cost £7.39. 1 level teaspoon treats 100l of water in soft water you may need increase dosage in hard water areas! Hope this helps!

 

[james_fish]

I did yeah, I soaked it thoroughly. B*llocks I wish i'd of known.

Are the chemicals going to do the job? I've been let down before.

James.

 

[Truck]

Chemicals aren't a good idea, their lasting effect isn't long, the carbonates in the water will soon buffer against them.

 

[james_fish]

So i'll need to buy some peat. Common? Easy to get hold of?

James

 

[rdp50734]

So i'll need to buy some peat. Common? Easy to get hold of?

James

You can but peat slugs on ebay! I dont know where else though!

 

[Truck]

Get it from ebay and place a small amount in a filter sock.