german blue ram centered tank

[Tye]

New to the site so I apologize if I'm asking an annoyingly repeated question, but I'm getting a 55+gal tank tomorrow and want to know everything about centering this tank around the ram. Now I do have a general knowledge about the fish and having a freshwater aquarium, but its been a while since my last tank. So recommended bedding, plants, tank mates, and most of all, is buying these fish online a smarter idea? Feeders and petsmart always have horrible looking german blue rams.

[escamosa]

First thing you should do - if you haven't already planned it - is to cycle your tank.

Fishless cycling link.
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ead.php?t=5640

Cycling with fish link.
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=36492

It's better to cycle without fish, if you can, but if you can't then don't try and cycle it with the Ram in there. They're far too sensitive to water conditions. If you do have to cycle with fish, then look to getting a school of zebra danios or something like that.

Sand is a good substrate for Rams, lots of plants (whatever you like the look of really), and some rocks to make up some caves and other little structures.

A couple of nice sized schools of tetras are nice with Rams. Try and choose the less nippy/aggressive ones, and stay away from Barbs, such as Tigers. A nice group of bottom dwellers, like Corys would be ok too.

There'll be more suggestions though!

[Tye]

Thank you for the reply, I've never tried sand, how do you go about cleaning it (before and after the tank is set up)?

[escamosa]

There's plenty of sands that you can buy through LFSs, specifically packaged for aquariums. And all you do to clean it, is put it in a bucket and run a hose into it. Let the water run through it for a while, then mix the sand up a bit, then run the water again. It probably won't get it spotlessly clean, and there'll probably be a bit of cloudiness in your tank water for a little while, but it'll settle down once your filtration takes over and the water isn't moving all over the place. To keep it clean, once it's in the aquarium, all you need to get yourself is a gravel vacuum. They're found at most LFSs too, and they're pretty cheap.

[C-Dub]

Thank you for the reply, I've never tried sand, how do you go about cleaning it (before and after the tank is set up)?

Pool filter sand is a great option and it comes basically ready to go! I usually throw it in a bucket rinse it out until water comes out clean and throw it in. I have 2 GbR'S. LOVE THEM!!! Make sure ur tank is fully cycled b4 adding GBRS as they are not for the inexperienced. Way cheaper!!!!!!

[Tye]

All right guys, you have been a great help so far. One last question and I should be satisfied haha. Do ether of you have experience buying fish online? as I said before, my LFS(that does stand for local feeder supply right?) and many others around me carry poorly bred GBRs. Is buying fish online and having them shipped to you a safe idea?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer.

[ScottishFish]

I used to have a GBR, so heres some general advice from me;

- pH, have you tested your tap waters pH? Rams really do need a pH of 7 or less, anything above 7.2 in my opinion aint gona do too well with your GBRs.

- Make sure your GBR is the last fish into the tank, since they are so sensitive to water conditions it is best to allow your tank to mature for3-5 months before getting your GBR. Aswell as that it allows you to get to grips with weekly maintenance of a 55G before you have a delicate fish.

- Tankmates, GBRS do well with Kribs, Appistogrammas, tetras, danios, Golden wonder Panchax, Khuli Loaches, Corys, Plecos, rasbora etc.. Appistogrammas could be a good tankmate further in the future, aslong as your tank's pH is 7 or less.

- Feeding, GBRs aint fussy eaters, mines ate Daphnia, Bloodworms, krill, tubifex worms, flake, sinking tablets . . . .

And finally filtration, in two words 'Double it' your tanks a 55G so for ease of maintenance and general well being of the tank aim to filter for a 110G capacity, more is always better!!

Heres my old ram



p.s I haven't bought fish online so no comment from me