Bolivian Ram Question

[snoopy65]

I am getting my 65 gal hex ready for its new inhabitants. I have a very large (25" X 5" X 6") piece of driftwood, anchored vertically with several plants attached to it, in the back and large assortment of short to tall plants ready to go in.

I just need to know how many caves or overturned clay pots the Bolivian Rams "need" for them to be comfortable. I want to get those in before adding the plants.

I am going to get 4 to hopefully end up with a pair.

 

[haynchinook334]

1 clay pot, cut in half and place one beside the wood, and the other on the oppisite side.

 

[snoopy65]

Thanks!

 

[darth pike]

Bolivians aren't really a cave species. Both mine and others I have talked to seem to prefer hanging out under plants instead of rocks, or driftwood.

 

[craig_uk]

Yeah, id be inclined to just jack up the driftwood a little at one end. make a sort of floating platform job for them to retreat under along with your corries if those angels get a little nasty when spawning. (reference to the previous thread in the general cichlid section btw)

Would love to see pics of the tank.

Craggy

 

[japes]

Bolivians aren't really a cave species. Both mine and others I have talked to seem to prefer hanging out under plants instead of rocks, or driftwood.

Indeed, mine will seek refuge under the leaves of plants if attacked. I've never been a fan of the look of clay pots in aquariums, so I'd be inclined to not bother with them and solely use the driftwood and attached plants as cover.

 

[snoopy65]

Yeah the angels being in there is why I really want to make sure I have the bottom area right! I want my little guys to have a place to get to, if they need to, that the angels can't get. The tank is a work in progress, but I will try to get some pictures.

 

[craig_uk]

I'm in the same boat as japes on this one, i hate the look of clay pots in tanks, BUT... i am guilty of having two for the inevitable marital spats that happen with cichlids

I'd imagine that plants and driftwood would make a great home for your rams.

Now then... chop chop, get the water and decor in and lets get those pictures

 

[snoopy65]

lol, I'm trying, I'm trying!

 

[snoopy65]

Well here it is with my rams added. I got them first as my LFS had them, which is rare and for $8.00 a piece.

The bright colored decorations are in there because I have a 7 year old daughter who said "Please oh please" lol

It is my first attempt at plants. Although you can't really see them yet there is quite a few real ones in there (easy ones: Java Moss, Fern, and others I forget the name). I figure once they start growing, then I will remove some of the silk.

It's ok you can be brutal. I won't take offense.