Tank Mates for German Blue Pair

[t_calley]

I am needing some advice I currently have a 20 gallon with
2 German Blue Rams
5 Black tetras
1 Bolivian Loach (supposed to stay small)
1 Pleco

I will be moving up to a 55 gallon in a couple a weeks

what would be good tank mates for the Rams, they are the only ones I am not flexible on. I would like something with more color, and would prefer a mix of small and those that grow over 2 inches (but not a monster like an oscar).
I love chiclids but get frustrated with the overly aggressive ones. Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Tiffany

[Apistt_ed]

Hello Tiffany,

Well, your options for possible tankmates are endless depending on your goals for this tank. If you'd like to possibly get a viable spawn out of the rams, you might want to cater to them a little more (i.e. remove the pleco and maybe the neons). If this isn't the case, then you can have anything you'd like really as long as they will do well in your water. Some fish that I love to keep with my dwarfs that aren't too much of a problem for them are as follows :

Gardnerii killies(2")- excellent tankmates and gorgeous as a pair or two in your 55
Vietnamese whiteclouds(< 2")- beautiful little fish (especially when ready to spawn but not a schooling fish)
Hatchetfish (marble or silver)(2-3.5")- great fish that are topwater fish and school
Het (and or harlequin) Rasboras(< 3")- absolutely stunning schooling fish when in groups of 8-20
Platy's- as Ted Judy of this forum loves to have with his apistos.
Pygmy Rasboras and dwarf emerald rasboras- as the name says they are small about one inch or so and are absolutely gorgeous

these are some of the possibilities of tankmates that will liven up your tank a little but are by no means the only ones that can be housed with your rams. It all comes down to your goals for the tank and fish. If you are looking for another dwarf cichlid as a possibility I'd suggest a species that can hold their own as Rams can get quite aggressive themselves. In your 55gallon tank, you could house just about one more pair of dwarf cichlid such as A. borellii, which is a great fish and not too aggressive. It all comes again to what you like but not going overboard with the # of fish. Best wishes John

[CKfish]

Tiffany,

I haven't heard of a 'Bolivian Loach', could you please describe it?

Thanks,

CKfish

[t_calley]

"Bolivian Loach" has elongated beige body with black horizontal bands. Right now fish is approx 2". Bought at LFS Amazonia Austin,TX. I was looking for something that would stay relatively small and control snail population. Hope this helps identify. Set up 50 gallon last nite to begin cycling in.

Thanks,
Tiffany