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How to Keep German Blue RAM Cichlids
Edited by Guzman98, luise petts, Rock20000, Adelaide and 2 others
Are you looking into purchasing a centerpiece fish for your aquarium? Can't find something that catches someone's eye the minute he or she looks into your aquarium? Or better yet, are you looking for a fancy type of cichlid that gives you an interest? If so, be sure to observe the German blue ram cichlid. These cichlids possess very impressive variations, such as electric blue cichlids, German blue cichlids, and Golden cichlids.
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EditSteps
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1Know your fish. German blue ram cichlids, "GBR" are considered one of the more smaller South American cichlids, along with the Bolivian Ram cichlid, but keep a very vibrant coloration and multiple variations such as: Blue, Golden, German blue, ETC. They also reach approximately, 2"-3" and males are more thinner, and have a more larger, and sharper top fin than females. They also are very sensitive to water quality so be sure to cycle the aquarium before, inquiring any fish. .Ad -
2Get a heater. German blue rams, and other ram cichlids come from parts of south american rivers where it is tropical. The best idea for keeping these cichlids alive properly is to get a heater and keeping the water temperature at about 71*F-80*F. -
3Choose proper tank mates. Even though ram cichlids are considered one of the more smaller cichlids, it is imperative to house the ram cichlid with proper tank mates.- Fish that are likely to be successful are: Tetra, Angelfish, guppy's, hatchet fish, and other community fish.
- Fish unlikely to be successful are: larger cichlids, territorial bottom dwelling fish, carnivorous fish, betta fish, and aggressive cichlids likely to devour the GBR.
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4Provide decorations. Keeping decorations in your aquarium not only provides a nice seen in the tank but, gives the GBR a territory/hiding spot. Without any hiding spots ram cichlids will become aggressive and shoo off other fish, or try attacking them. Taller plants like: Anubias plants, java ferns, or el niño ferns, are good examples of plants that provide good shelters. When keeping plastic plants, be sure to use silk plants due to the plastic being too rough for the fish and its fins being cut. -
5Give them an appropriate diet. German blue ram cichlids usually prefer brine shrimp, bloodworms, cichlid pellets, or tropical flakes. Giving them the inappropriate type of diet does not give them proper nutrition. -
6Acclimate the Ram cichlid. Acclimation is an important part to keep any fish in an aquarium for it to live successfully; otherwise, it would die of tank shock. Be sure to acclimate the aquarium for at least 15-20 minutes, then gently netting the fish out with a net (without water getting into the aquarium). Safely release the ram cichlid into the aquarium, properly disposing the excess water that is in the bag.Ad
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EditTips
- A 20 gallon aquarium is the minimum for a breeding pair, for another pair, it would need to be at least 40 gallons.
- Keep hiding spots in your aquarium; taller plants or silk plants work best.
- These cichlids may not be kept with larger/aggressive cichlids, or fish likely to dominate bottom the section of an aquarium.
- Must be kept in pairs, otherwise it will become more shy.
- A reasonable pH level in an aquarium for a ram cichlid is between 5-7.5.
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EditWarnings
- These cichlids are very sensitive to water quality.
- Your cichlids will become aggressive in smaller and packed aquariums.
- These steps are not recommended for beginners.
EditThings You'll Need
- Air Pump
- Ammonia test kit
- Appropriate Aquarium
- Driftwood or other ornaments (Optional)
- Heater
- Hood with lighting
- Live/Artificial plants
- Nitrate Nitrite test kit
- pH test kit
- Proper Filtration
- Ram cichlid or other fish
- Substrate
