Would this be overstocking?

[tank212]

Would this tank be overstocked if I added a pair of rams it is a 20gal high with 3 swords, 3 ottos, and 4 corys. It has good filtration with 50% water changes weekly. It will be planted fairly well also.

 

[keane]

Would this tank be overstocked if I added a pair of rams it is a 20gal high with 3 swords, 3 ottos, and 4 corys. It has good filtration with 50% water changes weekly. It will be planted fairly well also.

Sounds OK to me .

Whilst a 20 high isn't a great space provider the rams will have no competition for territory and their other tank mates will occupy different tank levels so there should be no aggravation.

Your only problem may arise when the rams spawn and they will defend their eggs vehemently against any fish that gets near, whether it has the eggs in mind or not.

steve

 

[tank212]

Sounds good thanks. It will be fairly well planted I also got the cave like things you stick on the wall should I use them?

 

[Griz]

Yup, sounds OK to me too.

 

[tank212]

Would the same thing apply if I changed my mind and wanted a pair of cockatoos?

 

[nc_nutcase]

Cockatoos usually do better with 1 Male per 2-3 Females, where Rams do better in pairs. With the limited floor space in the aquarium Rams may work better.

A Male Cockatoo cause major stress (even to the point of death) on a single Female.

 

[keane]

Sounds good thanks. It will be fairly well planted I also got the cave like things you stick on the wall should I use them?

To be honest, none of the fish you are gonna get will use them IMO.

Whilst the rams develop a territory I don't think they will make much use of a cave.

The female will lay any spawn on a flat surface within the territory area and merely guard the surrounding area.

You could try the caves though. Put them right at the bottom of the tank (where the rams will dwell) and see if they use 'em.

steve

 

[tank212]

Ah cool thanks then rams it is any particular type?

 

[tank212]

If I went out and bought it would a 20g long be better?

 

[keane]

Ah cool thanks then rams it is any particular type?

Yeah...German Bules Rams .

They stay smaller than the bolivian rams, which is a plus point because of the size of your tank, but they are also so much more colourful and characteristic than the bolivians IMO .

If I went out and bought it would a 20g long be better?

Yeah again!.

The 20 long will provide a bigger footprint (surface area) meaning the rams, as bottom dwellers will be able to have a bigger territory area.

steve

 

[tank212]

If I can find room for it I will definently do that if not they will go in my 20g high. Thanks for the info

 

[Ben]

actually, german blues are way more sensitive and are more likley to die in a new tank, i would go with a nice pair of bolivians that will use the caves and plants. 20g is plenty space for only 1 pair. so it should sound good

DD

 

[keane]

actually, german blues are way more sensitive and are more likley to die in a new tank, i would go with a nice pair of bolivians that will use the caves and plants. 20g is plenty space for only 1 pair. so it should sound good

DD

Yeah, agreed DD. But this isn't a new tank .

Take a look at tank212's first post....he already has swordys, otos and corys in.

If his otos are fine then his water params must be good and the tank established 'cos they are more sensitive than the rams.

I would stay stick with the Blue Rams tank212 .

steve

 

[Ben]

meh, i still say stick with the bolivians,then when you feel confident with rams, swap the bolivians for blue/golds

DD

 

[tank212]

I would do that dd but I figure why not go for blues because there are no lfs around me that will take the bolivians. I am already having to order them if I do get them as it is.