Rams In Planted Tanks

[Rlon35]

I know Rams are sensitive to hard water and nitrates, but I've been able to acclimiate them to both. There is onformation out there saying that they are sensitive to certain ferts. The additive that is most mentioned as damaging the Rams in Flourish Excel. I recently lost my rams when I started using this product. They are all gone now. I perosnally don't belive that these products, or other fertilizers, kill the rams. I think they may be susceptable to internal parasites and or bacteria. Do I risk getting more of these guys, dosing with Excel and NPA?

My solution, as I want more rams, is to consider a UV sterilizer and some form of peat additive/fuiltration. But, I must ask the plant experts. What is the downside to using a UV sterilization system???

 

[Wolfenrook]

In large quantities products like Excel are indeed toxic to fish (and us), so it wouldn't surprise me if more sensitive species had a problem with it. The simple solution? CO2 injection instead, which can be safely pushed up to 30ppm quite safely, at which levels plants grow lovely and healthily whilst algae less so. Excel is meant to be either used instead of or as a suplement to CO2 injection, but if your injection is sufficient (pressurised) you wont need this.

As to parasites, in a healthy tank with carefully quarantined stock these are rarely a problem.

Ade

 

[aaronnorth]

I dont think thee is a downside to a UV, they are ugly (unless you get an external). Also pointless unless you are preventing algae blloms or parasites etc.

 

[Renate]

My ram died after I added epsom salt to harden the water. Thus come to believe they are fine as long as they have a stable environment.

 

[JimShorts]

My ram died after I added epsom salt to harden the water. Thus come to believe they are fine as long as they have a stable environment.

I've had similar experiences. I had a pair of rams for a whole summer. At the end of summer I went off to school, leaving my dad to care for the tank. Within two weeks the rams were gone, but we've never had trouble with any other fish. My dad seems to be a little more carefree when it comes to taking care of the tank than myself.