Hi,
I've had a bit of experience with Gold and Blue Rams, both Microgeophagus Ramerezi. I think they're great little fish with loads of character.
Apart from the obvious things concerning water quality i.e Zero Ammonia, Zero Nitrite, and low Nitrates <20 mg/l there's a few other things to consider if you want your fish to thrive. The water should be fairly soft and acidic (I've acheived this by filtering through peat granules and adding co2 for my plants), mine is pH 6.6, KH 3.5, GH 5, this obviously also depends on what water they were kept in before you got them and whether they were happy in that water. They like a fairly fine substrate which they may dig if they spawn. As you have pointed out, they do like some cover, my tank is heavily planted which provides more than enough hiding places. They actually are more likely to be a lot braver if they have sufficient cover, mine often chase off my 5 inch Angels to get to food!! They also appreciate dither fish, I have Cardinals and Rummynoses which when swimming above the Rams give them a sense of security.
If you are lucky and your Rams pair off then they exhibit more terroritorial behaviour especially if they decide to spawn. They will dig a hole in the substrate, the female will lay her eggs whilst the male guards, then they will take turns guarding the eggs whilst the other searches for food. It's great to watch!!
One negative of Rams is their relatively short life span, I've heard they only live a max. of 3 years. I've had mine a year now and I love 'em!!
Hope this has helped, good luck with yours!!
Out of interest, here's a pic of one of mine.
http
/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=22577
As for websites, I'd just type in microgeophagus ramerezi on google and explore.
