Still learning...

[koaladarshana]

Just until recently I was keeping four balloon rams in a 20 gallon tank. I figured the aggression was normal until I browsed the boards here and found out the big mistake I had made. My advice to you all is to remember to avoid impulse buys like the one I made without knowing the special requirements of a fish.

Luckily I have recently been pretty well off financially so I was able to buy several plants and a big driftwood while returning one ram to my LFS. The aggression has quickly subsided, their stress stripes have faded substantially, and the rams are now getting along but I will keep a close eye on them in case I need to remove another.

People please, don't make the same mistake I did! It's not fair for a fish to have to suffer because of one's own mistake.

[Sandz]

Just remember, the baloon ram is a genetic bred deformity. With that being said, the chance of a short life span is usually the case for an already "sensitive" fish. The entire baloon line of fish are breeding deformities. I have heard talk of a high exposure to zinc as fry... or some other malpractice but just be aware of what you are buying for its care needs and for what your expectations of it are.