How many rams?

[MandyL]

I was wanting to get Keyholes for my 35 but am now thinking I would want Rams instead. Is there a good number that would discourage any aggression, etc? I was thinking 4... If I end up with a breeding pair would they cause problems with the other 2? The tank footprint is 36"x12".

[Tolley]

4 is a good number. i have 4 in my 40g and there are no problems.

If you are lucky enough to have 2 pair off the aggresion from the pair will be spread out between the 2 left.

[duce]

wont the husbund pair fight to protect the fry ???

[Incredulous_Ed]

Go with 4 or 6

[MandyL]

I think I will go with 4. The other option would be to get 6-8 hoping to get at least one pair, and then move the rest to the 65 when it's set up...

[Tolley]

yeah i'd go with 6 max then. you could get more in the 65 when its set up but because theyre in the 35 they've still got to put up with each other in there for a while.

[Incredulous_Ed]

if you get 2 males and 2 females you for sure will get a pair. If you only get 1 male and female youll prob get a pair as well, lol.

[MandyL]

OK thanks for the advice fellas. Am I asking for trouble if I end up with 2 pairs in the 35?

[Fishalicious]

Are you getting Bolivian Rams or German Blue Rams? German Blue Rams are very easy to sex.. so you can easily pick out a couple at the LFS

[Tolley]

yeah for the gbrs heres a very handy link for sexing them courtesy of Fishalicious http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=21082

[Devon Greatwolf]

I tried a harem of three females and one male GBR in a 29 gallon (app. 30" x 12") and my existing female was killed (could have been age, I had her for a little over 2 years). Then one of the remaining females was forced to the top of the water by the paired two and her color began to wash out. I returned the cornered female to the LFS (they actually paid me more for her than I paid when I bought her because GBR's were on sale the day I bought the three). I have never attempted to keep more than one male in my 29. My tank has the bottom divided into 6 vary distinct "zones" and is heavily planted. Now I am wondering, can I get another pair? I may try, and if it does not work out, I am sure I can find room in one of my other tanks. Or just wait till they are on sale buy them and then if it does not go well, return them to the LFS when the prices move up! ;-)

[MandyL]

I honestly can't remember if my LFS had GBR's or BR's... So whichever they have I guess. I read up on the sexing so I know if they are GBR's. I'm thinking I will try 2 pair if I can get 2 male and 2 female, and move one pair to the 65 if they are fighting.