Could I Get Bolivian Rams?

[mbriggs84]

29g it is... that works good for me because I think the 10g will have plants and a betta. Plus the 10 isn't ready yet, so I can get them as soon as I find them! I'll probably look around the stores tonight or friday. I just have to figure out how to sex them.

 

[mbriggs84]

Ok so I just went to a couple lfs. None had bolivian rams, but the one I stopped at had blue rams. They looked pretty cool. Any advice on these? They seem pretty similar to bolivian's. Any major differences? or are these a possibility for me?

 

[Dieses Madchen]

The harlequins would do nicely in the 10g i reckon. I have a school of them in my 10 gallon and they thrive. That would free up some space in the 29 gallon.

 

[Tizer]

Ok so I just went to a couple lfs. None had bolivian rams, but the one I stopped at had blue rams. They looked pretty cool. Any advice on these? They seem pretty similar to bolivian's. Any major differences? or are these a possibility for me?

Do you live in a hard or soft water area?

 

[ZoddyZod]

The harlequins would do nicely in the 10g i reckon. I have a school of them in my 10 gallon and they thrive. That would free up some space in the 29 gallon.

I can't agree on this one. Harlequins are a very active fish and need plenty of swimming space. 10g does not provide that IMO.

I have some in my 80g (4 foot) and they can easily swim from end to end in under 2 seconds.

but the one I stopped at had blue rams. They looked pretty cool. Any advice on these? They seem pretty similar to bolivian's. Any major differences? or are these a possibility for me?

these can be quite fragile. They will NEED soft water and also high temperatures (27c -29c) otherwise you might find that they don't live very long.

There are plenty of threads about Blue Rams (or German Rams as they are sometimes called). Have a search through the threads for more info.

 

[mbriggs84]

Im not sure what my water hardness is. My test kit doesnt have that. Maybe I'll just keep searching for the bolivians. Are they not as fragile?

 

[ZoddyZod]

Im not sure what my water hardness is. My test kit doesnt have that. Maybe I'll just keep searching for the bolivians. Are they not as fragile?

it's not the hardness that you need to know (initially) it's the pH.

Bolivians are generally much 'tougher' and adaptable to a wider pH range. They also do not require the high temp that blue rams need. I've got 6 of them and they have great character!