Can I keep rams in my 10g?

[eslerman]

Hey all,

This is my first post so bear with me.

I have a ten gallon aquarium, and have always been in love with Dwarf Cichlids. Particularly Rams. My dream was two pairs of rams, German Blues and the Golds. However, after researching it seems like my tank is just too small. Can I keep a pair of rams in my aquarium with maybe a couple other cardinal tetras and maybe an otocinclus?

My buddy has a ten gallon with an apisto, a keyhole cichlid, a cory, and a German Blue ram. His ram seems to do great. Is there any chance I can keep a few rams in my ten gallon or is my tank just too small?

Also, I have seen a lot of beautiful photos of the Electric Blue rams. Is that a gimmick? Will those fish retain their colors into adulthood? They sure look great...

Thanks!

[Lab_Rat]

A 10g is a bit tight for a lone pair of rams with no other fish. What is your fishkeeping experience?

[eslerman]

Not much experience... Just Bettas. That said, I'm committed! I'm willing to invest the time to ensure quality in my tank if you think it is possible.

[Lab_Rat]

I wouldn't do it in a 10g then. Upgrade to a 20g (preferably a 20g long) and you'll have better luck. It's easier to keep the water quality up and to keep the tank stable. Plus then you could have another species of fish in the tank. Rams are a delicate fish, breeders with a lot of experience will keep them in 10g, but it's not setting yourself up for success to do so unless you have a lot of experience.

[eslerman]

Alright. Maybe you have some recommendations for a 10 gallon aquarium? I feel limited to tetras and barbs... Any attractive fish that can do well in a smaller tank? Are apistos able to handle small tanks?

And thanks by the way, appreciate your advice.

[Lab_Rat]

Multies are a tanganyikan shell dweller that could do well in a 10g. I'd start off with a pair and let them populate the tank. They have pretty fascinating behavior and don't eat their young. They'll make their own colony. You'll want to provide them with hard, alkaline water.

The other dwarf cichlids tend to get too big for a 10g imo. You could also do a tank with some of the nano-fish. Microrasbora are pretty cool and badis are neat as well. Endlers are another option.

[eslerman]

Wow. Thanks. Those Microrasbora are gorgeous. The Endlers look great as well. But I can not seem to find any imformation on the Multies... Shell dwellers sounds interesting. Are they listed on the fish databases on this site? Is there maybe a more common name I can search by?

Again, I appreciate your insight!

EDIT: Is the scientific name Neolamprologus multifasciatus? They look great. But I'm doubtful as to my LFS's ability get them.

[Lab_Rat]

Wow. Thanks. Those Microrasbora are gorgeous. The Endlers look great as well. But I can not seem to find any imformation on the Multies... Shell dwellers sounds interesting. Are they listed on the fish databases on this site? Is there maybe a more common name I can search by?

Again, I appreciate your insight!

EDIT: Is the scientific name Neolamprologus multifasciatus? They look great. But I'm doubtful as to my LFS's ability get them.

Yes, those are multies. They're also known as Lamprologus multifasciatus, the nomenclature for africans seems to be ever changing.

[eslerman]

You're the best! I've gone from being crushed about the Rams to pretty excited about some of these other options. Now I've just got to figure out where I can buy them.

Thank you tons, you were a huge help!

[Sarkazmo]

Yeah, go with a 20G or larger. LR's suggestion of a 20 Long is really great. With a 20G tank you're going to get a higher level of chemistry stability with the water as well as more options for hardscaping, planting, and fish selection. A larger volume of water gives you more time to catch things that can and will go wrong. Also, it's more humane for the fish. One should always keep their fish in as large an aquarium as possible.

Sark

[Lab_Rat]

No problem, glad I could help! A good source for african cichlids, if you can afford the shipping, is [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]. Not sure how much he would charge for shipping a pair of multies, but he's got excellent fish and he should be able to sex them for you. Also, check [Only Registered Users Can See Links.].