Bolivian Rams, Too High Ph?

[gearhead65]

I’d love to purchase some Bolivian Rams for my newly cycled tank. However, I read that they require a max pH of 7.4 or so. My pH tested at 7.8. Would this still be acceptable? What effect would this have? If it just hinders breeding, I could live with that.

 

[mattlee]

they should be fine with that pH, just take your time and acclimatise them carefully. test the lfs water and see how much it varies from yours if any and if a big difference then take a bit longer to settle them in to your water parameters (this goes for any fish tbh not just BR's)

i keep a group of 7 in a pH of 7.4-7.6 with no issues at all.

 

[ZoddyZod]

my 6 are on a ph close to 8, with apparenly no ill effects (great colouration, no illness or deaths).

 

[gearhead65]

Well, that's awesome to hear, thanks guys! After reading these responses, I picked up a pair after work today. Just got home and have them in a bag acclimating them now. I still need to test the waters, but I think they may like their new home! I was trying to pick out a male/female pair, but I'm not sure I lucked out. What are the differences besides the males having better coloring?

 

[gearhead65]

I think I do have a male/female pair!! Unfortunately, they haven't moved around the tank much and when the do, they move as a pair. They must still be getting used to their new accommodations. I'm in the process of building them a slate cave so hopefully that'll ease them up a little and encourage some breeding.