How to choose a good ram?

[digital_run]

Hi there..........well ive finally decided on the next addition to my "semi-aggresive" community tank.( Not that i want aggressive fish...but i just like them more ).
My local IFS has just gotten a new group of young rams ...and after much research ive decided that i could possibly add a pair to my tank....Now i just have some questions on them before i take a that big step.....

1. How do i choose them...am i looking for color or activity???

2. Will they be ok with my Tiger barbs...The rams are pretty small and i know
tigers have a bad reputation..although i think they will be ok.

3. Do i have to get a female / male pair......or can i just pick 2 random rams and not worry about a same sex problem

4. Ive read that rams are naturally in water with a PH of 5.0 or under....Will my current PH of 7.0 - 7.5 be a problem for them....

Thnx for any help i can get........this forum is the best

 

[fish_r_great]

1. Color is always a plus and make sure its not torn up or sick. What you would usually look for.
2. The tiger barbs might be a problem Rams can be very fragile and Tbs do have that reputation. If you do get them try to maybe switch around the tank to kinda screw up the territories. Or try a cichlid that is a little more aggressive such as kribs, convicts, or maybe Apistos.
3. Either get 1 or at least 3. If you want male and female which is probably the only way to have two is look for one with a pink beely and a short spike on the top fin. This is a female. Then look for one that doesn't have the pink and a big spikish part on the top fin. This is a male. Or you could just get two an if they start fighting by locking lips that sorta thing get another.
4. I have a pair and keep the Ph at 7.2 they doo prefer a lower P.h. but can live happily at up to 7.5

Note: Rams can be very difficult to keep and if your attempts fail don't get discouraged

HTH