BlakeyBoyR Posted October 2, 2004 Share Posted October 2, 2004 Hi, Im considering stocking my new tank with a pair of blue rams. This is my first attempt at non-rift lake cichlids so I have a fair few questions, sorry if theyre dumb First of all, Im used to having to keep PH UP for rift laker's, never down. Sooo how do I ensure the PH is nice and low for these little guys? Also, I have no idea what the requirements are to keep plants in good shape (as Ive never had a planted tank) but I think I might be better off asking in the planted tank forum for that one? Is there much difference between keeping mbuna and keeping rams? Also, I was wondering where can I get some good quality rams in Sydney because Ive heard the majority around are, forgive the bluntness, prone to kick the bucket because of in-breeding etc. Please forgive the ignorance but I am new to dwarves etc. so any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YeW Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 BB - I think blue rams are a poor first choice for dwarf cichlid. They are touchy and poor stock is commonly available. Here's my list of better choices. Pelvicachromis spp. (P. pulcher, P. subocellatus, P. tanieatus etc) - FANTASTICALLY COLOURED and reasonably hardy. Bolivian rams Nanacara anomala HTH - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiona Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 I agree with Dave, a nice pair of kribs are attractive, hardy, and interesting, and have character, haven't kept the others but have admired in the past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cannula Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Personally I feel that it's hard to go past Pelvicachromis tanieatus, great looking little fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abob Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 I'd have to agree you would be better off starting (and staying) with something other than blue rams. As suggested, Pelvicachromis spp would be good or even one of the hardier Apistogramma spp. such as A. cacatuoides which can tolerate a reasonably high pH. If you have your heart set on the Rams and/or want a bit of a challenge then go for it. Hopefully, the more people who keep and breed them the quality may improve. As for pH, what is your pH out of the tap? Mine is ~6.7 with no KH which is pretty much ideal for most drawfs. I'm yet to keep any of the really low pH loving fish. If your pH is under say 7.3 I wouldn't change it. Plats: For detailed info, yes, try the planted tank forum but I find the basics, if you trying for a fish tank with plants rather than a plant tank with fish, is; *hardy low/moderate light FULLY AQUATIC plants *reasonable amount of light (eg. 2 fluros) *basic fertiliser. I never got past the "hanging on for dear life" stage with plants until I started adding a basic fertiliser with iron in it. As for much difference in keeping drawfs. No. Good water, good food, good stock means happy and healthy fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlakeyBoyR Posted October 5, 2004 Author Share Posted October 5, 2004 Cheers for the advice people Id love to have a dwarf/planted tank simply because they look so ... pretty for lack of a better word. Youve given me some great starting points and have given me a much better idea of what to bare in mind when considering starting up this type of tank. I appreciate all the posts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shell Posted October 7, 2004 Share Posted October 7, 2004 I currently have a dwarf cichlid tank set up that I just love. In a 2 foot cube tank I have one male and 3 female A. cacuatoides, a pair of N. anomola, a pair of oscellated kribs, 3 bolivian butterflies and some peppermint catfish. It is well planted with different types of anubias on driftwood gardens and has lots of small rock caves. The pH is around 7.0 and the tamp is 26 degrees. I tried the Rams but they all just died for various unexplained reasons. I won't bother trying them again as they are just not as hardy as the others. good luck and hope your tank goes well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wormboy Posted October 7, 2004 Share Posted October 7, 2004 Totally agree with the previous comments, steer clear of the rams for the moment although you may like to pick up a few once you have a bit more experience with dwarfs and if you can find some nice ones. Kribs (pulcher, taeniatus or suboccelatus) are certainly a great choice to begin with but make sure that you find good quality stock! I have seen a few around with bent backbones and fins, so make sure you look at all of the fish in the tank, not just the best ones, as they are likely to have come from the same place (and have similar genetics). Pulcher is not so prone due to the larger gene pool in Aus. but taeniatus in particular may be a worry beacuse there are relatively few around. Same applies to rams when you do get back to them, look out for deformities like missing pelvic fins! I know it sounds stupid but it can be missed if you can only get small individuals and you dont look especially closely. I have seen a couple around lately. Dont let me put you off with the doom and gloom, when you find some good quality dwarfs of any kind they really can put on a spectacular show and are well worth the effort! good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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