Rams In A Community Tank

[devon_charm]

Having just heard that rams will go well in a community tank. I just wanted to get some more opinions on them. Aren't they part of the Ciclid family? I always remember my dad telling me to stear clear of Ciclids. I have a 5.5ft community tank that is well planted (see signature). I would love to get some so any infor you care to share would be spot on

Cheers guys

 

[jarcher1390]

rams should be great (Your dad said that just to make damn sure as all cichlids are different) but if you do research cichlids can go well and they are great characters for the community tank

 

[plaskotki]

Hi there,
I have 3 rams in a community tank and I have not any problems so far. They are still young, I hope it will not change. I have heard that they may become aggresive when spawning, but I don't think it is going to happen that easily.

 

[Amunet]

We have 1 long-finned blue ram in our community tank and have had no problems. It actually swims w/ the female betta in the tank looking for food lol.

 

[Musho3210]

i love rams and other dwarf cichlids, some of the prettiest fish. Ive kept bolivian rams in community tanks and i am now trying kribs, i'll see how it goes.

Anyway with most cichlids it is down to personal stuff. Some may be the scaredest fish in the tank, others may be the most violent.

 

[Aqua Andy]

Hi,

My male Bolivian Ram is the most striking fish I have. I would definately recommend them as centre piece fish for 20G+ aquariums.

From my experience, if you get a male and female the male will be territorial. My male is a randy so and so, and pesters the female quite a bit. He sometimes chases my other fish if he's particularly frustrated. I'm no expert on cichlids, but if you have enough room it might be an idea to get two females, like with guppies, so the male doesn't focus on one female for too long. My female is nearly always keeping out of his way.


Andy

 

[Luketendo]

I tried to get rams once but the guy in the lfs told me that they need Softer Water, and Water in Sussex is hard but I think I heard that water in Devon is softer so you may be ok.

 

[devon_charm]

Cheers you lot. I have decided to go for a couple well 3, 1 male and 2 female. How can i tell the male though? is it easy?

 

[stang1]

Males tend to have longer and more pointed dorsal fins, they are also bigger and have a bit more colour.
Females are plumper, stockier and tend to have a pink tinge on their bellies. They also have blue spots on their black blotches.

 

[devon_charm]

Thanks Stang, i'm hoping my LFS will know but now i know what to lookout for.

 

[Musho3210]

the pink belly doesnt really apply to bolivian rams.

 

[stang1]

Thanks Stang, i'm hoping my LFS will know but now i know what to lookout for.

No problem. The pink tinge is quite distinctive so you should be fine.
Found this topic, have a look to see the difference in sexes:
Blue Rams

 

[Aqua Andy]

Males are generally more colourful, their fins are a stronger yellow colour, and the spiny dorsal and pelvic fins are longer.

My female has a line of black dots along her spine, but I'm not sure if this is typical.


Andy

 

[devon_charm]

Wow their beautifal fish