GBR care conterdicting answers

[dustinpedley]

so ive kinda figured out that i dont want kribs anymore and i was looking ar some GBR's. i want to buy a pair of GBR's and i have a store near me that breeds there own. and i can get 2 pairs (6mo old) for my 55 gal community set up. they said they are hardy fish and that i would have no problem and i would notice problems with my tetras before the rams. but everywhere else said that they are finicky fish that are difficult to care for. so what the real scoop and what kind of water parameters are we looking at?

[jbeining75]

It really all depends on how they were breed. GBR's that are breed in regular tap water and are not asian strained generally are the hardiest.... Asian strains are very weak lasting about a year.. If they are local breed though they should be fine. Ask the store if he breeds them in RO water or regular tank water....

[dustinpedley]

they said all of their water was reverse osmosis. is that what you mean, and what does that mean for the fish

[LosC]

Just keep your water clean and your GBR's should be fine. Many people on this forum have GBR's with no problem. It can be a bit intimidating before you get a GBR because of all the negative you hear about the fish

[jbeining75]

RO water is very very clean and the water is alot better quality than most tap water would be. If they are local breed they will be descently strong. It is hard to tell though with GBR's. Try them and if they work great. If not of course try something else.....

[seamajor]

I appolodise for being a bit dim but what is GBR:c12:

[dustinpedley]

German Blue Ram

[seamajor]

thankyou most kindly

[Incredulous_Ed]

You would want to make sure the water conditions in your tank is the same as the conditions in the store. Even if it means getting a reverse osmosis filter. They need soft water to thrive, so you will have to provide it. If given the right conditions, they are hardy fish.

[dustinpedley]

well i just called the store that i would be getting them from. their water goes from 6-7 dh and mine runs anywhere from 10-11 dh so i have a ways to go. the lady at the freshwater area said they can do fine up to 10dh if it is steady, so i need to loose about 60ppm to keep it safe......... this sucks:14:

[Incredulous_Ed]

You could try DIY co2 to lower hardness, or try peat moss in the filter.