Rams anyone?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
If you get tank-bred rams, it shouldn't be that big of a deal. Steady parameters are better than constantly changing parameters. Unless you can find a way to soften the water that guarantees it's consistent (like mixing RO and tap to achieve a specific pH/hardness reading each time you do a water change), it's probably best just to stick to tap water. With rams, you're going to want to do at least weekly water changes to keep the nitrates/DOCs down.

I'm breeding electric blue rams and Bolivian rams in my tap water, which is about pH 7.6 and a TDS reading of 120ppm or so. No idea what that translates to in GH/KH. There are several breeders on AquaBid and SimplyDiscus breeding and raising rams in tap water with a pH in the 7s and moderate hardness.
 
ryansmith83 said:
If you get tank-bred rams, it shouldn't be that big of a deal. Steady parameters are better than constantly changing parameters. Unless you can find a way to soften the water that guarantees it's consistent (like mixing RO and tap to achieve a specific pH/hardness reading each time you do a water change), it's probably best just to stick to tap water. With rams, you're going to want to do at least weekly water changes to keep the nitrates/DOCs down.

I'm breeding electric blue rams and Bolivian rams in my tap water, which is about pH 7.6 and a TDS reading of 120ppm or so. No idea what that translates to in GH/KH. There are several breeders on AquaBid and SimplyDiscus breeding and raising rams in tap water with a pH in the 7s and moderate hardness.
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Thanks again, you have been so helpful! Let me know when you get some fry, I'd love a few :)
 
So I picked up two bolivians from my lfs, they had been there together for awhile, and watching them, I never saw any aggression or harassment. They usually were close to each other. I brought them home and they have been enjoyable to watch so far.

I have no idea how to sex these guys, so no clue if I got a pair, or two males/females. They have different personalities and look different as well. One is very light in color/markings and seems to be more dominant as well as outgoing, whereas the other is darker and shy. Sometimes they hang out, but most of the time are on seperate ends of the tank.

I have them in a 15long for the time being, along with 3 Julii Corys and a couple tiger barbs. No fighting at all, side from the rams occasional liplck or chase.

I swear my one ram keeps getting darker along the side though, any idea?
 
Bolivian rams can take on a mottled black color. Usually when they're comfortable, they will lighten up and show their pastel colors. Both of my females showed a lot of black when I bought them, but after a few weeks it mostly went away. I only see it when they're stressed now.

Substrate and background color can also play a part in this. I notice that a lot of cichlids kept on dark backgrounds and substrate will show darker colors. I keep my rams over light silica sand with light blue tank backgrounds, so they tend to not show the darker coloration.

Watch them carefully -- if you have two unpaired fish, the dominant one is likely to continue harassing the submissive one. This is why it's best to grow them out in groups where possible and wait for them to pair off on their own.
 
ryansmith83 said:
Bolivian rams can take on a mottled black color. Usually when they're comfortable, they will lighten up and show their pastel colors. Both of my females showed a lot of black when I bought them, but after a few weeks it mostly went away. I only see it when they're stressed now.

Substrate and background color can also play a part in this. I notice that a lot of cichlids kept on dark backgrounds and substrate will show darker colors. I keep my rams over light silica sand with light blue tank backgrounds, so they tend to not show the darker coloration.

Watch them carefully -- if you have two unpaired fish, the dominant one is likely to coinue harassing the submissive one. This is why it's best to grow them out in groups where possible and wait for them to pair off on their own.
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They haven't nipped or anything yet, and its odd, sometimes one will chase and sometimes they wil both be hanging out with each other, so its hard to say... Its hard to find rams here in my area, but ordering a few more from my lfs, hoping for some young stock to grow em out. I have two back up tanks running if these two dont start getting along.
 
ryansmith83 pretty much got it covered on the info, just wanted to add that males form territories of ~10"sq and it's best to keep them in 1:3 m:f ratio. They appreciate sand and plants, well aerated and spotless clean water. Like mentioned before they r veryyy sensitive to nitrates. GL
 
Well, I had to seperate my Bolivians, but very glad I did. They are sooo much better in their own space. Lots of personality and activity. Anytime I sit in front of them, they come right out and show off. Adoreable little buggers, I can see why they can be a favorite. Theyve both lightened up considerably, both are showing some awesome yellow-orange belly color!

Ryan, Im kind of debating. I know footprints are important. You said you grow them out in groups in a 55. A 40B has a larger footprint right? Im wondering if that would work better than a 55? More space and such. The $1/gallon sale is coming up so looking into getting a 40breeder.

Has anyone ever kept Bolivians and Blues/Golds in the same tank? I know they are different species, but because they are similar, would I need to worry about any kind of issues?
 
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