Is purchasing a German Blue Ram a good idea?

[Squigglefish]

Hi everyone :)

I'm new to the forums so hopefully I'm posting this in the right place. I was wondering if buying Blue rams for my tank is a good idea?

I think theyre beautiful fish but I've heard they arent recommended for beginners. My tank is 22 gallons, only 10 weeks old and I have 10 neon tetras in there. I was just hoping there was a cichlid suitable for me as they look incredible and I've heard they have quite the personality.

I also read that the Bolivian rams are similar to the GBR but more hardy. Would that be a more suitable choice? Someone also mentioned that Kribensis are an alternative. My water is always very clean, the pH is 7.4 (not ideal, I know) but it is stable, as is temperature.

I just hope theres a peaceful and fairly small cichlid suited to my tank that I can keep without it being too difficult as I'm only learning. The last thing I want to do is buy a beautiful fish and not provide the appropriate care.

The pet shop in my area doesnt stock anything too unusual (unfortunately), its pretty standard I guess you could say, I've never even seen Bolivian rams there, just GBR. Although, there was also a "Neon blue Ram" which I have NEVER seen before. Is that a hybrid? It was such a bright blue, looked almost painted! It wasnt as nice as the normal GBR though.

Any advice is appreciated!

[rich311k]

Blue rams need clean, warm water. They would fit well in your tank but you may want to wait a bit before you give them a try.

Kribs are hardier and very pretty. They may be a better choice for you.

[little hawaii]

You also Might Check out Checkerbord Cichlids aka Dicrossus filamentosa. Incredably nice looking, tiny at 2" max, and very full of character. Almost like they are trying to figure US out. They would need a little more acidic Ph I think, but you could do that pretty easy. They like to stay in the bottom zone too.

[Lab_Rat]

I would go with bolivians or kribs over GBR since the tank isn't very mature. Checkerboards are nice but need an established tank like the GBR do.

[EmmanuelJB]

Rams are great fish, but german blues are not for beginers. I would go with bolivians. I have never kept kribs so I dont know how they are. Good luck!

[Squigglefish]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I think I'll go for a Bolivian if the pet shop has any. If not, I will let my tank mature and try a GBR. We dont have kribs but I may be able to order some in.

Thanks again!

[nc_obs]

I just got a couple bolivian rams and I love them so far :) Lots of personality, they watch when I get anywhere near the tank, which is about 2 months old at this point. They seems quite happy with it.

[DrNic]

I've had really bad luck with Rams. Even in a really well established tank with water as clean as I could keep it I couldn't get them to survive for more than a few months. I would put one or two into the tank and they would be fine for 2-4 months. Then suddenly they would die while the other fish in the tank (neons and corys at the time) seemed fine.

Obviously others have had better luck with these fish but just keep that in mind if you plan to get some.