South American Stocking

[emc7]

breeding rams is cool, but w/ tetra in the tank. you either won't have surviving fry or you will have dead tetra.

I would start with 4 little rams and maybe a few other fish, but I'd plan on additional tanks.

[ZebraDanio12]

I agree with emc. Tetas= fry wont last long.

I started with just a male and female and was lucky they paired. Get juvies is a great idea than forcing a pair who may not be compatible.

[Vayurules]

So, like 4 rams, my pleco, and a pair of otos? Why plan on more tanks? To raise the fry, or to separate fighting couples?

Btw, my water here has a ridiculously high pH, around the 8 mark. How could I change the water without raising the pH above 7.0?


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[ZebraDanio12]

Originally Posted by Vayurules So, like 4 rams, my pleco, and a pair of otos? Why plan on more tanks? To raise the fry, or to separate fighting couples? Btw, my water here has a ridiculously high pH, around the 8 mark. How could I change the water without raising the pH above 7.0? Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

Do not get the Rams until ph is atleast at 7. Rams are very sensitive, and require a low ph. I believe driftwood will do pretty well with lowering a ph. I'm sure someone can tell you better ways. Anyway, yes more tanks for fry. They can lay a lot of eggs. I can give you more advice on breeding them, as they aren't the best parents always.

[Vayurules]

I actually have driftwood in the tank, but I haven't seen any changes. Should I get peat filtration for my Aquaclear? I heard that can reduce the pH, but when I do water changes with dechlorinated tap water (7.5-8.0), how will I not upset the low pH in the tank (5.5-7.0)?

On the side, how big of a tank will I need to raise fry?

[lohachata]

yes...go to your local garden center or online (ebay)...get a bunch of jiffy 7 peat pellets..
get a pair of pantyhose..cut in 12" sections.tie off one end..remove netting from pellets..put 3 or 4 in a section and tie it off and soak it in warm water for about 20 minutes...then put it in the aquaclear.....

[Vayurules]

Thanks Loha! I read that somewhere else on the forum where you posted that. I actually planned on using that method, lol.

[lohachata]

it works quite well and is great for getting difficult to spawn fish to breed...

[Vayurules]

Well, how will I lower the pH of water that I will put in through water changes?


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[ZebraDanio12]

Do very small water changes and it shouldn't effect it too much. Just do small water changes more frequently.

For tank raising size, a ten gallon is fine until their bigger. I'm expecting more from my Rams and apistos within next few days. It's very exciting!

[Vayurules]

So, 10 gallon, raise for how long before I have to relocate? But how old do they need to be in able to be sold?


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[ZebraDanio12]

Originally Posted by Vayurules So, 10 gallon, raise for how long before I have to relocate? But how old do they need to be in able to be sold? Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

Depends on how many you get. And I think around the 1.5 inch mark is good.

[lohachata]

do not count your chickens before the eggs hatch...or for that matter before they are even laid....

[ZebraDanio12]

Originally Posted by lohachata do not count your chickens before the eggs hatch...or for that matter before they are even laid....

agreed.

[emc7]

Very hard water? Why do amazon? Get some shellies. Multies are great and you can have a whole colony in a 20.