German Blue Rams

Q&A about South American Cichlids

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Kelly
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jun 05, 2008 9:02 pm

German Blue Rams

Post by Kelly »

Pam,
I have a 125 gallon mbuna tank which I keep overstocked to keep aggression filtered amongst them fairly even....you know what I mean. I have recently started a 30 gallon for some German Blue Rams. Would I want to overstock this type of cichlid to keep aggression down as well? This wil be a species only tank, with the exception of a pleco. I would like to have a fairly large group of them if possible, with no interest in breeding them.

Thanks,
Kelly
Pam Chin
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Re: German Blue Rams

Post by Pam Chin »

Hi Kelly,

Mbuna are group fish, they breed in groups, and hang out in groups. While Rams are substrate spawners, and pair off. Once you get a pair then they will define an area, and want to spawn. The pair then try to chase the others away, and when the rejects can't leave, they they start fighting. Most of your substrate spawners will react in the same way, and they don't play well with others; especially if a pair has formed, which is bound to happen with a mix of males and females. So it is a whole different game!

Most people like to get a pair, and do some tetras for the upper part of your tank, and they will also serve as dithers. They love lots of plants, add a few cory catfish, and your tank is filled, you will be maxed out. It will look great, you have your center piece; the rams, your upper water column will be filled with a colorful tetra type, and your bottom will have whimiscal catfish. Add a few plants it will be a masterpiece!

If you want some additional info on Rams check out these two sites,

http://www.thekrib.com

http://www.apistogramma.com

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