Blue Balloon Rams

[Wisegy84]

After a recent visit to my LFS when I really took notice of these colorful little fish I started thinking. What I'm wondering is this:

Is there any way to add one or a pair of Blue Balloon Rams to one of my current tanks or would adding them to a new tank be the better way to go? Would my Dwarf Gourami be able to be moved to the 38G? If so, then could I potentially add a pair of the rams to the 20H? No real plans right now, just kind of thinking out loud (well, out loud across the Inter-web) and I don't know too much about these fish (other than the fact that Rams prefer soft water and are sensitive).

Thanks!

 

[Dwarf Puffers]

Google "German blue rams". The balloons (or occasionally "angelrams" ) are genetic deformity, and tend to have a lot more health problems than regular GBR's, just like mollies and balloon mollies.

GBR's like soft water and are fairly hardy if you keep up on water changes. A 15 gallon is the smallest sized tank I'd say you should keep them in. Bolivian rams, though usually a bit less colourful, are a lot more hardy, and with a very similar personality.

 

[BoCoMo]

"balloon variety" :headshake2:

 

[Wisegy84]

I did not realize it was a genetic deformity. Well, I definitely wouldn't want to go with those, then. But I do like German Blue Rams. And I'll keep an eye out at my LFS for the Bolivians. Seeing them in person would be good as even if they are less colorful I might not mind.

My main concern if I kept them is that my water has a high PH and is fairly hard. I'd have to talk to my LFS about where they get those fish and what type of water they keep them in. A long acclimation process isn't a problem, though, if that is all it would take and I would certainly quarantine them.