Thinking of buying some rams

[Erised]

First of all, I'm aware this is supposed to be in New World Cichlids, but I've been waiting all day and only got 1 responds, one that even though meant well, wasnt of all too much help for me + I'd like some more opinions

So right now I've got an empty 15 Gallon and I couldnt figure out what to put in it. Then last night I had a dream about me having a tank with 3 rams in it ... so today I decided to have a look into that! Only to find out that I'm utterly confused right now...

I've read about people keeping more than 1 ram together and being fine...
I've read about people keeping more than 1 ram together and them fighting eachother to death.

-Will it be possible to keep them at all?
-How many could I keep?
-Will they be getting along?
-Are the risks of having to split them up high? Dont have an extra aquarium unless they can go into a community setup as well (see profile for list of fish)

... blah, just give me all the information you've got on these fish and how to keep them ... and treat me like a newbie! (Dont worry, I've been keeping fish for a long time, lot of community fish, some puffers etc ... however, no cichlids yet)

 

[shrimpster97]

blue rams are great fish to have, their minimum tank size is 10, so i would think youd be able to put them in a 15. i have two in a 10 and they do fine. for a 15 gal i would get maybe 3 or four, males and females, try to get them all at the same time because if you dont, they will establish their territory and the new ones will be picked on. they like blood worms, it brings their color out, and sand, and go good with danios. you should get some, they are great looking fish!

 

[Barday]

I've heard that when adding a teritorial fish such as a ram to a tank which already contains other teritorial fish, all you have to do is to change the positions of some of the decorations and they will establish new teritories. Is that right?

 

[Kittycat]

I've heard that when adding a teritorial fish such as a ram to a tank which already contains other teritorial fish, all you have to do is to change the positions of some of the decorations and they will establish new teritories. Is that right?

I've heard the same thing, I think it helps. I did that with mine, and I noticed them moving around and having new territories afterwards. But unfortunately it didn't stop the aggression of one of them.

I have to disagree, I think 3 rams is too many for 15 gallons, some sites I've been to even said it's too small for 2, though most say a pair can manage in a 10 (but with mine they were always hiding and very pale in a 10 gallon compared to 50). I also think you have better chances of a pair getting along than 3 rams in one small tank.

As for your concern on getting along and fighting, as I was trying to explain in the other thread, it depends a lot on the individual fish, there is no absolute yes or no answer. You can only do your best to take measures to minimize the chances of them not getting along. And hopefully your LFS would be willing to take one back or swap it for another if things don't turn out as planned.