Good filtration for ram cichlids

I'm planning on setting up a dwarf ram cichlids tank soon . So, I'm doing a little bit of research here and there. I heard they like warm water, good nitrification and good ammonia filtration. What are your thoughts and experience with ram cichilds

The Bolivian and Gold will give you fewer problems than the German Blues from what I've read/experienced. The first two aren't as critical on pristine water conditions nor do they require the higher temps. Bolivian and Golds around 80 degrees and GBR's a bit higher. It is also suggested that for GBR's they be introduced into a well established tank, not something recently set up. I've violated that "rule" myself. They all do like heavy cover consisting of driftwood and vegetation. For breeding, provide them with flat rocks and definition between territories. Plan to allocate close to 10 G for each fish. It sounds like a lot for a dwarf cichlid but everything I've read indicates that which is another rule I break. Very peaceful fish that will get along with most non-aggressive fish.
I'm confused about your comment on : "good nitrification and good ammonia filtration". They do prefer soft water but will withstand harder water conditions. Bill

I got a 29 and a 55 just laying around so planning on setting up a community tank and maybe plant it who knows but I do know that I want some ram cichlids . I was checking up on some auction on aquabid here is the link http://www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.cgi?fwapisto&1358553924. And he was saying "Just provide them with good nitrification – no ammonia or nitrates and warmth Rams love warmth." I wasn't sure what be meant but now I think he basically meant good filtration. I think rams are my second favorite fish now; Angels is still my first off course So hook me up bill hehe.

Rama has had them the last few times I've been there.. Some long fin GBR's too... About $8.00 each. The bolivians should be a couple of dollars cheaper per. I keep my GBR's about 85-86... the Bolivians just above 80.
The filtration issue I think he/you are referring to is that the GBR's do require very low nitrate levels requiring more water changes. When I had them in a 155G that was a veritable jungle, I had 2 or maybe 3 broods going on at the same time. That tank didn't get the w/c's suggested but I feel/think the amount of plants minimized the Nitrate levels. I'm sure I'll be corrected on here! Bill

who is rama? o.o I'm thinking of having 2 Gold ram, 2 German Blue ram, 2 Electric ram and maybe 2 Bolivian ram. Now, I'm kind of excited I think I'm going to start planning the tank tomorrow . Might not be able to get all of them but I will get what I can get my hands into.

Rama runs Skoolz of Fish in Richmond. www.skoolzoffish.com

They aren't as picky as most folks think they are, keep them at angel/discus specs and you will be fine.
What person are you thinking of buying from?

The electric blues have to be back bred with German blues if you want mostly viable eggs. Sometimes you luck out with 2 electric blues and get good eggs but most of the time you dont.

Was thinking of getting it from aquabid but I'm still looking around. Any good suggestions???

Oddly enough I was going to do our first Monthly Article on rams and a name came to mind that both Fern and Fishvixen know of. JoeGaras on A/B is a breeder and seller of Rams and does some interesting crosses. I'm hesitant to do the article on them due to my inexperience but what the hell... It'll be an interesting thread tearing my writings apart!..

Yes, would love to to read your article

Can't offer any knowledge on the rams except WOW! If you see them...you want to keep them! Neo and I were talking about them the other day...Now, I've got the bug again (thanks Onik!! Guppies & Rams! LOL). Would LOVE to read up on what you all already know!! Thanks in advance!

He does have interesting crosses....... But I like hardy fish raised in 'normal' fish tanks, his aren't, it looks more like a hospital ward......

Hospital ward? More like a sterile operating room! So sometime his fish don't adjust very well.

He's that anal I take it... I know he can keep ya on the phone for a long time!... And his articles on water chemistry is one of the best sleep aides I've come across!

I got my line from a breeder I happened to bump into when setting up a tank for my parents Christmas present back in 2011. They guy was in the shop offering the owner some GBR fry. I've since lost the orig. six-pack but do have 4 or their off-spring and one rescue. I think.. maybe the rescues were all Bolivians... Too much stuff going on to recall... Bill

Now I don't know where to get my rams from I might just go get some from richmond aquarium . Anyone know where I can find electric blue ram?? Those look lovely

I think the issue with Rams is often the source. This is a fish I highly recommend getting from a small breeder. I might consider getting some from a local fish store, but I would not touch one from Pet*** with a 10 foot pole.

The Electric Blues are more sensitive, so I would recommend getting some experience with a hardier(and cheaper) strain first. Gold and German Blue rams should be pretty similar in conditions they require.

Bolivian rams are hardier and less demanding in terms of water conditions.

at my lfs but thats a bit of a drive lol

Fern wrote:
The electric blues have to be back bred with German blues if you want mostly viable eggs. Sometimes you luck out with 2 electric blues and get good eggs but most of the time you dont.

I think that is more with the Jack Dempseys where you need a blue gene and a electric blue to produce viable offspring.

I haven't seen blue gene rams available. But a back cross might still be a good strategy with rams if you get electric blue offspring in the next generation. For one thing your breeders should be hardier. The other is you can concentrate on raising smaller batches of sensitive fry(since you only get 1/4 electric blues).

Ya.... I may have gotten them confused.... Too many fish