30 Gal. For German Blue Rams Mostly plants OK?

[Headrush]

I am going to be moving fish from a 30 gallon tank and I will be turning the 30 into a Blue Ram set-up. Probably 1 male w 2 females and some tetras to swim in the open space. Not interested in breeding seriously but if it happens it happens.

Now...I know these fish like plants BUT, I am pretty new to the idea of a planted tank and have been looking for some EASY maintenance plant species to put in there. I've considered Java Fern, and a plant I used to have that a LFS called "peace lilly"

I'm wondering if I can provide enough cover for the Rams with one 16-18" piece of driftwood and a bunch of plants? Plants only?

Is that "Proper" or would they prefer the rocky, woody enviromnent my medium sized cichlids prefer better?

Thanks to all in advance

 

[JCA]

I am not very knowledable about plants, but I do know from past experience that it isn't a really good idea to keep 3 Blue Rams together. Two of them tend to pair up and pick on the odd one out.

 

[davo]

I'd go for the pair, or get two pairs. Maybe two blue, two gold. Plant wise there are a few plants. What are your tank conditions, and lighting etc. If its just florescents you could consider java and bolbitis ferns, anubias, Hygrophila polysperma, some of the mosses, maybe some vallis or some of the swords depending on your conditions. Both bogwood and rocks are good, just providing hiding places. should still have some open swimming area in the front. Some flat low stones would be good for possible spawning sites. I've done best with soft slightly acidic water.

 

[ewurm]

A nice planted setup is great for Rams, as long as water conditions are good, which the plants will help with.

 

[Headrush]

I decided on 3 (1m/1F) after speaking to a woman "Cathy" on another site called Aquahobby.com in their cichlid forum. She has been keeping Rams and breeding them for a very long time and is very in tune with the species. So I based my set up on that conversation. I originally thought 2 pairs would work but it seemed kinda tight in there for 4, especially 2 males. I just get a hunch they'dd constantly compete and fight eachother...maybe not. She pretty much talked me out of keeping 4. Any of you have two pair in a 30 or similar sized tank (36")???

Not trying to cast aside your opinions, I am just considering all options and want to do whats best for the fish.

My idea was that 1m and 2 F would give the male the tank to roam without competition. Would the females battle it out too?

Plants: I'm looking for the EASY route here. if possible. Lighting will be flourescent, nothing fancy. I'd just like the tank to have an area full of plants, then the other end open for swimming. Kinda getting bored with the old rock n wood look, plus the bright green is great color and natural habitat to the Rams I believe.

My tank is in a unique location at the bottom of my stairs between the living room and dining room. So... you see it on 3 sides. It's sitting on the old "Planter" that's kinda like a 3 ft high wall. Comes up to my waist and the tank fits perfectly on top of it.

Sorry for the long post. Lots of stuff to talk about

 

[Headrush]

Considering Java Fern and Anubias but I'm a rookie with plants at best. Would like to use Java Fern in my 90 as well if I can attach it to rocks to allow me to move it around

 

[ewurm]

Cabomba is good, and swordplants are very easy. Ludwigia has also not been too difficult for me.

 

[davo]

If just fluoros i stick with what i said earlier then, any of those plants you should have some success with. I had 2 pairs in a 3x1x1, no agression problems as was densley planted but i think almost as importantly i had lots of spawning sites, but not necessarily close together. Only the blues spawned for me.

 

[Headrush]

Thanks to all!

Davo: man... every time I see your avatar I want one of those suckers!

Anyway I might try 4 for starters. I think I have to get at least that many if I order an F4-F5 pair from Aquahobby.com. Anyone experienced with ordering fish from them? Good/Bad? Thx

 

[vicedretard]

ask wyldfya he is pretty helpful as well when it comes to questions about planted tanks... i thought about doing the same thing in my 29gal(but put zebra danios adn female bettas instead(the the pants of course.