German and Gold Rams

[FreshyFresh]

....I am also wondering, how long should the tank be established before I add them? I know they are sensitive, and need a well established tank, but since I'm fairly new to doing this on my own, I'd like your opinions.

Thanks.

Welcome and it sounds like you've got some great stocking ideas in mind. Now is the time to plan while you're cycling your new setup. You didn't really mention how you intend to cycle it. Just adding those bottled "starters" isn't going to do it. Like it was suggested earlier, do you have an API master test kit on hand? As a reply to your question, this is how you know your tank is "established".

 

[Something_fishy_in_here]

Kribs; pelvicachromis pulcher are a smallish cichlid alternative. The males get about the same size as kubotai. They are attractive and not too aggressive.

Mark

Kribs were what i wanted originally but i was told they were seriously aggressive when defending young, and a lot easier to breed so it seemed like more of an issue.

 

[Something_fishy_in_here]

Welcome and it sounds like you've got some great stocking ideas in mind. Now is the time to plan while you're cycling your new setup. You didn't really mention how you intend to cycle it. Just adding those bottled "starters" isn't going to do it. Like it was suggested earlier, do you have an API master test kit on hand? As a reply to your question, this is how you know your tank is "established".

Yes, i do have that kit. I did put plants and decorations in from other tanks, but since the water is settled, I am just going to add the ruby barbs this weekend. I was told they would be fine to start it out.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Plants and decor from an established tank will introduce some beneficial bacteria to the new tank, but the only instant way to cycle is to use bio media out of one of your established filters.

 

[Something_fishy_in_here]

Ok that's done. Thanks for the tip. I didn't realize that was an "instant" or I would have just done that in the first place.

 

[Something_fishy_in_here]

Also when I started the tank, I ran a filter on it from an already established tank. It was a tiny ten gallon on a 75 tank, but i was just using it to keep the water flowing initially until i got my new one. I wasn't even thinking about that when I started this conversation. The bacteria was already introduced. It ran for about a week.

 

[Something_fishy_in_here]

I know this thread is old, but I figured I would update. My tank is doing great. I have two female blue german rams, three kubotai loaches, and a clown pleco all sharing the bottom space, and they are doing just fine. My rams are adorable, and very sociable, and haven't had a single problem with any of the other fish.