Mixed Opinions, need help

Mapboy

Hello,
I currently have a 10 gallon with 3 rasbora and one large Guppy.
I have researched the Bolivian and Blue Ram, as my petsmart had those in stock yesterday, but wanted to look them up before I purchase.

Do both need to be kept in pairs, or only the blue?
Would either be able to live in a pretty much empty 10 gallon?
I know the Guppy may eventually be a problem when the rams grow, but I don't think it'd be an issue.
The rams in the store were very small, would be the smallest fish when added, probably by 2/3 the size of the rasbora and 1/2 size of Guppy.

Thank you for your help

allaboutfish

IMO rams need larger tanks. you might could get away with 1 ram in your tank if you take everything else out. they need pristine water. so 50-75% water changes weekly. they also need plants to help keep the water quality good and they need higher temps.

Mapboy

Hello.
I have heard mixed opinions about the ability of a blue or bolivian cichlid in a 10 gallon tank.
Currently I have a large Guppy, and 3 rasbora in a tank that has a lot of space.

I really want to add a bolivian or Blue Ram, but want to make sure that it will be ok in a 10 gallon first.

Some said one would be ok, but do they need to be in pairs?

Thanks

Edit by Byron: I merged this post into the existing thread on the same issue.

Byron

I say no to almost any cichlid in a 10g tank.

There is a real difference between what can manage and what is best. While a Bolivian Ram in a 10g tank will survive, it is certainly not the best environment for its health. A 20g is absolute minimum for this fish, and I would not even go less than a 3-foot tank.

I don't know what rasbora you now have, but all species of rasbora are shoaling fish, meaning they live in large groups and thus must be maintained in groups. Six is usually the minimum suggested, but more would again be better for the fish. But a 10g is very limited space. If you have the more common Harlequin Rasbora, I would get another 4 to have 7 in total. While not the best here either, it will work better than some, since the rasbora are quiet fish not requiring swimming space. Having live plants will help too. The only other fish suitable now would be some substrate fish, maybe a trio of corys.

You will note that the above fish names shaded, meaning you can click on the name to link to that fish's profile. Profiles are under the second tab from the left in the blue bar across the top of the page, and information on numbers, minimum tank sizes, compatibility, water parameters, etc is included.

Byron.