Newbie questions about ram cichlids?

[spot]

I haven't had any experience with cichlids, so I've been doing a lot of researching online, and it seems like the more sites I visit with information on ram cichlids, the more contradictions I run into. I'm confused! I have a few specific questions but any other information that experienced keepers want to volunteer is highly appreciated.

First, I seem to be reading a lot that ram cichlids are "not recommended for beginners" but nobody seems to explain why this is. Is there something inherently difficult about keeping these fish?

Second, I also read that they share a tank well with angelfish, while another site said they shouldn't be kept with any other species. I want to set up a community tank so I need a fish that gets along well with others. Preferably angels.

Finally, does anyone have any other advice as far as tank mates for angelfish? Rams aside, it seems like every site I look at says something different. Oh yeah, and the tank is a 30 gallon, but I'll be upgrading to a 125 at some point. Any advice would be extremely helpful!

 

[stephcps]

I have rams with angels and discus without any issues. The main issue with German Blue Rams is the stock in most LFS is pumped up with steroids. If you find a nice breeder with tank raised fish they usually do well. They are kinda like discus...like clean water with good stable parameters. But I think the key is good stock.

 

[spot]

Thanks for the input! I'm lucky enough to live near a fantastic breeder/store that quarantines religiously and doesn't use any steroids or anything like that. I was also interested in discus but I'm not sure if I have enough room in a 30 gallon...

 

[artes]

I would wait til you set up the 125g for the discus. I've read many things that say rams and angelfish go well together, though I have no personally experienced it. I do not see any reason why they wouldn't though - rams tend to hang out near the bottom of the tank, and angels the top. They also like similar water conditions, so that's a big plus.

 

[stephcps]

I would definitely not put discus in a 30 gallon!!

 

[spot]

Yeah I wasn't about to chance a discus until I set up the 125. Are the rams happy with 2 of them in an aquarium? I read somewhere that there should be 4 or more but, again with the size issue I don't have space for 4. Other places say a pair is fine.

 

[stephcps]

I had 6 and lost 3 in an unforunate heater mishap I have 3 now and I must say they were happier with 6. 1 always gets picked on and left out. So, I would get 2 or 4 or more...long story short LOL

 

[Aquanero]

Rams require high temps around 84-85 to stay healthy. They also require very clean water so 50% weekly water changes will be nessisary, a well established aged tank will also help. As mentioned good stock is the key to long term sucess. Most Asian breed or farm raised strains look good for a few weeks a month but because most are pumped up with harmones they fade and crash. This has nothing to do with your LFS it has to do with the supplier. A reputable breeder or wild cought stock will be much hardier and go a long way towards increasing your chances of sucess.

Angel fish are good tank mates for Rams however I don't think a 30 is big enough for Angel Fish but it is a good size for a couple of pairs of Rams. Some Cardinal Tetras or Rummy Nosed Tetras make excelent tank mates for Rams and can handle temps in the mid eighties.

 

[spot]

Some Cardinal Tetras or Rummy Nosed Tetras make excelent tank mates for Rams and can handle temps in the mid eighties.

I had thought of keeping cardinal tetras in the tank, in which case it looks like I would have to go with a planted tank, is that so?

 

[zombae]

I don't know about your water supply but a lot of customers at the pet store I work at have trouble with them. We have really extreme conditions in our tap water. You could likely improve your chances by comparing your local supply and trying to match it to their preferences if you want to keep them.