Bolivian Rams

[boeingtech]

just a quick question i have decided to get some bolivian rams to go in my community tank as they seem to be quite easy going but are they ok to buy just a pair or do they like to be in bigger groups.
I not buying to breed them just to add to my tank so would prefer just a pair. So would just a pair be happy alone. I have plenty of hidding places and plants which i read they liked and that they get along with most fish.
All of my fish get along toghether so i don't want to upset the tank i recently have 5 platties all female 5 dwarf rainbows red tailed shark(very placid) large angel , 3 clown loaches one dwarf gourami a chinese algea eater and an upside down catfish in a 280 litre tank.

 

[minxfishy]

Would be fine with two, m/m or m/f or f/f they are fairly peaceful.

My only concern would be the RTBS, although peaceful at present, as they mature they can become aggressive, so watch out for that.

 

[boeingtech]

the red tailed shark is presently about 5 inches long i had him/her when i bought the tank last january it came with the tank and some fish it was that size then so i think it could be quite old know.
t has never caused any trouble it sometimes chases other fish away if they go to close to his little area but has never nipped or attacked another fish,
Another quick question how long do red tailed sharks live?

 

[mattbond]

a friend of mine had his for 8 years, but thats the best information i could give you im afraid

 

[Truck]

before you get rams, what is your tank temp?

 

[boeingtech]

temp has always been steady at about 24 degrees which i have read on a few websites is fine for bolivian rams. Is this not the case?

 

[Truck]

this is way too low, 28 is better but may not suit your other fish, what other fish do you have? it is this high to prevent disease and premature death

 

[2excitedkids]

There are differing opinions on this.Tropicalfishfinder.co.uk say 24-26 for bolivian rams. which would suggest 28 C would be too high.

 

[Truck]

im sure nmonks would disagree with you!

and yoU cant rely on one source of info!!!

 

[TigerIssey]

Just checked my books for you. General temp for soft water dwarf cichlids is 25-28 however my favourite book says 27-30. I keep mine at 28.

EDIT 27-30 is specific for rams

 

[Truck]

cheers for that tigerissey

@2 excited kids

it is that high for a reason!

 

[2excitedkids]

cheers for that tigerissey

@2 excited kids

it is that high for a reason!

There is really no need to get personal
Quick web check on temp for BOLIVIAN rams

practical fishkeeping 22-26
aquarium life 22-26
monster fish keepers 24-29
aquatic hobbyist 25-28
aqua fish 22-28
aquatic quotient 25-28
fishkeeping 24-28

So don't suggest that I am being ignorant and only refer to one website before I offer advice to someone. I was only offering advice which I hoped was taken in the way it was intended.

 

[Truck]

im not being personal lol, the temperature is that high to prevent disease and premature death