Pregnant Ram

[boxman]

I've got a pair of rams in my 22gal tank I noticed today the female has a slightly larger stomach than usual and definately looks noticeably larger than the male.

She's looking 100% and the other tank mates seem to be perfectly fine also.

The chemical tests are all perfect and the PH is a bit less than 7.5 (need a more accurate test kit).

Any advice would be appreciated as I'd love to breed rams. (I haven't noticed any eggs around my plants).

Also, on that subject, are there any kinds of plants that are best suited for rams and info along that line.

Sorry it's long, just a bit excided to possibly have ram fry!!!!

 

[Kerryk]

Hey boxman!

Sounds like you have a "ripe" female I'd segregate the pair to a 10 gal or bigger tank (as they can get very territorial over their eggs if you have other fish present). Give them a flower pot to bind their eggs to (or a cave of some sort), slightly higher temp (maybe about 27C), and feed live food if possible such as blood worms (Freeze dried seems to do the trick as well)...and see what happens I haven't had any luck with rasing the fry, though they seem to be very good parents.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[boxman]

Could you describe to me what a "ripe" female looks like?

Hmm, I may have to go out and get another tank today!

 

[abstract]

fatter than average and usually shows more of the pink/red color on her belly

 

[boxman]

Yea, I think that about describes her!

I'm getting a new digital camera on Monday so I may post a few pics. Also got a 3gal for £5 from LFS to put the eggs in (anticipation!!)

I'm watching her like a hawk now!

 

[abstract]

keep in mind that if you remove the eggs they will need circulation or they WILL be covered in fungus before you know it...use a very gentle powerhead aimed in the right spot or an air pump and bubble diffuser...

i know hagen makes an Elite Mini filter that is perfect for that size tank and has a sponge in it....i use them in 3 tanks for added circulation

 

[boxman]

Thanks abstract.

I have the an airpump with an airstone but should I put some sort of internal filter?

I really hope I can get something sorted in the next few days as I'm off on holiday

I would love to see pictures of ram fry!!!! Hopefully I can get some soon!!!!!

 

[abstract]

as long as the air creates a current, then you will be good

 

[Apache]

I've got a pair of rams in my 22gal tank I noticed today the female has a slightly larger stomach than usual and definately looks noticeably larger than the male.

She's looking 100% and the other tank mates seem to be perfectly fine also.

The chemical tests are all perfect and the PH is a bit less than 7.5 (need a more accurate test kit).

Any advice would be appreciated as I'd love to breed rams. (I haven't noticed any eggs around my plants).

Also, on that subject, are there any kinds of plants that are best suited for rams and info along that line.

Sorry it's long, just a bit excided to possibly have ram fry!!!!

Generally if she has a pink distended belly the coloration will grow more intense to almost orange in color (sign that spawning will occur within a couple of days or so). When she is really close to spawning her ovipositor will drop within several hours of the actual event.

FYI, Rams rate poor for brood raising as far as cichlids are concerned (at least in a captive environment). This is especially true for a neophyte pair.

G