ram cichilds

[Ross]

anyone have any experience with them? I just got a little 3g picotope for my dorm and somebody told me a pair of these would be awesome. any experience with them? I already have a beta will they get along?

[princer7]

A pair of rams will need more space. I would not put them with a betta. For a 3 gallon picotope you would definitely have problems with water quality with much more than a betta.

[RayAllen]

3g definatley two small. Minimum for a pair is a 10g. Ive had many and they are great fish and are better suited in planted aquariums with soft water. I had a planted 20g long with drift wood a pair of rams and a school of cardinal tetras and it was a very cool aquarium.

[Ross]

so any suggestions for a 3g??

[princer7]

A betta or maybe some cherry shrimp.

[Ross]

1 fish ?

[Bill S]

Ross,

I'm gonna go against the above prevailing votes. Normally, I'd say no way. But, you happen to know what you are doing - you'll be particular about water quality.

I've kept these fish off and on for years - they are my FAVORITE fish, fresh or salt. Pick up a pair (male has a much more elongated first few spines of dorsal fin). The CAN be shy, and they really, really don't like San Antonio or Central Texas well water. Very soft, slightly less than neutral pH. Don't even think about holey rock.

[Ross]

Thanks Bill. Our store here in LBK has some babies like an inch long..how can i tell male from female? will they kill my beta?

[Bill S]

Shoot, I forgot you were up there... Just up there last weekend for a football game.

Full size is about 1-1/4 - 1-1/2". They are small - maybe the smallest of the dwarf cichlids. Male has more coloration, a couple of very elongated dorsal spines, and like most cichlids, the end of the dorsal is longer. Not the easiest to sex, but certainly much easier than angels...

As for the Betta (oh no, one of my pet peeves again... they are Bettas (bet-uh) not Betas (bay-tah). Anyway, I'd find it a home. Once they become mature, they will become quite territorial. The ARE cichlids, albiet gentle ones. I don't think you have room for more than a pair of rams.

[cpreefguy]

Mr Aquarium is an awesome shop!
trade your betta in for the ram cichilds, then realize that you need to get a saltwater tank again!