Bolivian Rams recommendation for 30 Gal community tank

[23jim]

I am setting up planted 30 gal tank with 18 tetra, 5 corys, pleco, and some Bolivian Rams. I don't know if I should do two or three. I don't know if they can be sexed when they are about 1.5 inches but if so, what should I get M-F, M-M, M-F-F, etc. I don't imagine they will breed as my water is hard and alkaline (>7.5)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Jim

 

[Harryhorse]

I would do m/f or m/f/f or a pair off both but not to males a one female,I have m/f/f gbr in a community an they all get along.look at my profile if u would like to c what I have with them

 

[23jim]

So if I just get two and don't care about breeding, they should be fine?

 

[absolutangel04]

I love Bolivians. Mine are definitely some of the most rewarding fish I have ever had. But, to answer your question properly, we need to know what kind of tetras/corys/pleco you have. There are tons of species of those fish that come in all different sizes with all different temperments, and that should factor into you decision.

 

[23jim]

The fish I plan to have with the Rams are 12 Cardinal tetras, 6 Black Neon tetras, 5 skunk cory's, 1 Bristlenose Pleco or 3 Otto's.

Thanks

 

[absolutangel04]

Ok. So, if you do not want care about them breeding, I would suggest getting 2 of the same gender. I have kept male together without an issue. I currently have 2 males and they are fine together. Honestly, I don't think thats enough space for 3 and the corys. If you want to try 3, I would go with all males. Just be aware that no matter what you do, there is always a chance you will get an especially fiesty one and you could have to look into re-homing. Also, Bolivians are notoriously hard to gender.

 

[Harryhorse]

To should be good, I have 3 peppered corrys ,2 Julie corrys 1 bn,4mollys,3 gbr.10 neons 3 glowlight tetra and a clown loach and they all get along fine

 

[23jim]

Thanks everyone. I have yet to add neon tetras (switched from cardinals). Anyone have a top swimmer recommendation? Dwarf gourami maybe? Are they too shy or aggresive ?

 

[bruinsbro1997]

Were you looking at schooling fish or a single fish???

IMO paradisefish are very colorful and hardy. Not sure how they would do temp-wise with your rams though.

 

[23jim]

Looking for single peacefull fish that does not just hide all the time.

 

[Gboy66]

Looking for single peacefull fish that does not just hide all the time.

Ya a dwarf gourami would be good

 

[23jim]

Would a male be aggressive toward any of it's tank mates?

 

[jpchin]

i have 7 male dwarf gouramis in a community tank with 2 gbrs and 3 xray tetras 2 platys and 2 sail fin mollys. the dwarf gouramis get along with all the fish. no aggression at all but they all grew up together. i don't know if that makes a difference or not. all my fish are males.