Bolivian Rams and Minimum Footprint

[Nautiline]

I've been doing a lot of Googling and reading of this site as well as other sites, and have come across conflicting views on the minimum tank size for bolivian rams. 10 gallons is out of the question (though several sites say it's appropriate :sconfused: ). Some people say that a 20 gallon (high) is fine, while others say that a larger footprint like 30" is the minimum.

I have a 25 gallon that I plan on moving my 10 gallon community to. This new tank has the same footprint as a 20 gallon, that is, about 24" x 12". My question specifically is: If I can manage to snag a mated pair of bolivian rams, will they contentedly share territory, in which case this footprint will be acceptable?

[WhiteDevil]

IF you can get a breeding pair right off the bat. I used to have a dozen GOLD rams in my 210. one day i had 11 ram bodies and one ram left swimming.
IN my case a 6'x30" footprint was not enough, however. im my 52g I have 3 dwarfs, one Gb ram, one bolivian and one dwarf acara with NO issues.
When I purchased mine from the breeder, he had them in 20L tanks that was it, 2 pairs per tank.

[Lab_Rat]

Bolivians are larger than the GBR counterparts, so unless you have a confirmed pair I would not go with a 20g. I have a male and a female in my 29g and they hate each other...it works out ok though since there is enough of a footprint for each to have their own territories.

[Nautiline]

Thank you kindly for the input. I think if I can find a true pair then I will give it a shot and see how they do. There will be no other species in that tank that are bottom dwellers, which might help. If I can't find a good pair, then no go.

Thanks again.

[Taurus]

I agree with Lab_Rat. 29g minimum, 30 gallon standard is better.

[HN1]

I agree with Lab_Rat. 29g minimum, 30 gallon standard is better.

I agree as well, but would include a 20 long if they are lightly stocked around and possibly a 20 high if they are the only fish.

[Taurus]

Oh yes. 20g long has the same foot print as the 29g.