Picking A Ram

[agusf]

hello,
Ever since i saw a german blue ram i became in love and obsessed to get it.
although i am a begginner with a 150 liter community tank so i went on to
find alternatives as the german blue ram can be finnicky and hard to look
after. I found 2 alternatives: the ballon ram\angel ram and the bolivian
ram. i am mostly more intrested in the balloon\angel ram but it seems his
scientific name is the same as a german blue rams, so that may be a
problem. and the bolivian isnt that attractive due to its lack of bright
colors from the german blue ram which the balloon\angel ram has.
basically, which ones best, how to get it and care for it.
i am also hosting a poll on the two.

my other topic on the same story is here

agus

 

[Gvilleguy]

I went through the same thought process as you. I decided against GBRs since my aquarium is only a few months old, and I don't want to kill the fish. So I plan to get Bolivian Rams in about a month. Their colors look good to me. From what I have read, their colors tend to come out more once they grow to adults and are comfortable in your tank. If you get a breeding pair, their colors REALLY come out during the time they breed.

 

[ZoddyZod]

here's a couple of good BR specimens

http/t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:1mpR2xdF5FB1pM:http/i191.photobucket.com/albums/z3/edburress/altispinosa/altispinosa.jpg&t=1

http/t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:uxP8lhMKmQfMiM:http/www.aquahobby.com/gallery/img/Mikrogeophagus_altispinosus_5.jpg&t=1

 

[elisew]

I currently have 4 GBR`s, received 2 small gorgeous females this morning for the 2 males I have in my 180ltr tank. The only reason I have 2 pairs is because I`m awaiting a bigger tank to arrive so know I`ll have plenty of room for them. The colours on the GBR`s are lovely, somewhat striking in my opinion now that they`ve settled into their new home.

I previously had Bolivians but took them to my lfs because I was sold 2 males instead of a pair by a different lfs, they weren`t happy together at all. The bolivians are much more difficult to sex than the GBR`s but are just as nice.

I think I`m right in thinking that the balloon`s are basically 'genetic freaks' or genetically engineered versions' (to put it nicely) of the GBR`s although I`m happy to stand corrected if I`m wrong. I personally wouldn`t have the balloons because to me it advocates something I don`t agree with morally, but we`re all different.

I guess bottom line is that you have to go with your own thoughts and make your choice accordingly.

 

[BethK]

If you are after colorful and easier to care for, why not have a look at the apisto Agassiz, hongsloi or the cacatuoides

 

[Carlovel1]

Here is an even better Bolivian Ram:

 

[agusf]

wow, really lovely br pics.but in my lfs they look so dull and i dont think they feed them right
... ill keep thinking, probably have a decision in morning

 

[agusf]

hey carlovel1, how do i get a br to look as stunning as that?

 

[elisew]

Here is an even better Bolivian Ram:

Gorgeous colouring!!!

Shame there`s not many like that around though.