Pair idea with bolivian rams in a 4x20x20

[sajica]

Hi All,
Looking for some ideas for small central or south american species which could be housed in a 48x20x20 tank with a group of 4 bolivian rams that look to be 3m 1f (eggs once) some columbian tetras and serpae tetras.

Keen for some ideas on something that could spawn and care for fry in this setup without stressing or killing everything. Tank is setup with plenty of wood and rock hardscape and some plants. Also doesn’t need to be region specific either.

Was thinking maybe Sajica which I havent kept for years or maybe some blue acaras?

 

[tlindsey]

Hi All,
Looking for some ideas for small central or south american species which could be housed in a 48x20x20 tank with a group of 4 bolivian rams that look to be 3m 1f (eggs once) some columbian tetras and serpae tetras.

Keen for some ideas on something that could spawn and care for fry in this setup without stressing or killing everything. Tank is setup with plenty of wood and rock hardscape and some plants. Also doesn’t need to be region specific either.

Was thinking maybe Sajica which I havent kept for years or maybe some blue acaras?

Personally wouldn't add anymore Cichlids.

 

[duanes]

Agree with Tom, I wouldn't add any more cichlids, maybe hatchetfish or some other geographically correct tetras, or pencil fish, maybe corys.
Sajica's gets way too big, so would stress out (and maybe destroy) the Rams, and the sajica are hard water Central American species.
Even Acaras could be a bit overwhelming.

My male sajica, hit about 6" long and almost as tall, and at that size wouldn't tolerate any other cichlids except his female, in a much larger tank than you suggest.

 

[Zanzag]

So a size comparison heres my blue acara pair. As Duanes stated they can be pretty rowdy. Mine keep a group of female convicts in check.

 

[sajica]

Thanks for the responses. So will need to rethink. Maybe I will try for another female ram

 

[Zanzag]

Tank size is inches right? If so could maybe even get another male along with a few females.

 

[Gourami Swami]

If you really wanted to do more cichlids, a decent option would be angel fish or festivums. Should more or less leave the rams alone.

 

[sajica]

Tank size is inches right? If so could maybe even get another male along with a few females.

yes dimensions are in inches. I think tanks is roughly 300 litres.

 

[marcusyon]

I think you have room for another small cichilds even 1 pair of sajica

 

[Ogertron3000]

Possibly electric blue acara, they seem more chilled than the natural strain.
I like the angelfish idea best though, that would be my choice if it was my tank.