The Perfect Bolivian Ram Setup: A Comprehensive Guide

The Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a captivating addition to any aquarium, known for its striking colours and peaceful nature. This small and attractive cichlid is a popular choice for community tanks due to its gentle demeanour. In this guide, we will explore the ideal setup for these fascinating fish, covering tank size, water conditions, diet, and more, to ensure your Bolivian Rams thrive in their new environment.

Water conditions

Bolivian Rams are native to the slow-moving and shallow waters of the Amazon River Basin in Bolivia and Brazil. In their natural habitat, they favour river tributaries, backwaters, and lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms. They thrive in waters enriched with snags and lush vegetation, with ample hiding spots and substrates to forage for food.

To replicate their natural environment in a tank, it is important to maintain specific water conditions to ensure the health and longevity of these fish. Here are some key considerations for setting up a suitable aquatic environment for Bolivian Rams:

Water Temperature

Bolivian Rams prefer water temperatures that range from 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C). This temperature range can be adjusted slightly if the aim is to stimulate spawning, in which case a temperature of around 80.6°F to 82.4°F (27°C to 28°C) is recommended. It is worth noting that these fish can tolerate temperature shifts and even higher temperatures of up to 86°F when trying to get rid of infections and parasites.

PH Level

The ideal pH level for Bolivian Rams is between 6 and 7.5, indicating slightly acidic water. This pH range aligns with the conditions found in their natural habitat and contributes to their overall well-being.

Water Hardness

The recommended water hardness for Bolivian Rams is between 5 to 15 dGH, indicating soft water. A hardness level of 10 dGH is considered the most comfortable for these fish.

Water Flow and Filtration

Bolivian Rams are typically found in calm waters in the wild, so it is important to install a filter that maintains a lower water flow. An exterior-mounted canister filter can help achieve this, and the outflow can be adjusted to face towards the surface of the water to further dampen the flow's strength. Regular water changes are also crucial, with weekly changes of 20% to 25% recommended to maintain optimal water quality.

Water Changes and Maintenance

To keep the water clean and well-oxygenated, it is essential to perform regular water changes. Replace 20% to 25% of the water weekly, removing any organic waste and uneaten food to prevent the buildup of nitrates and nitrites. Proper filtration and regular maintenance are crucial for the long-term health and success of keeping Bolivian Rams.

Lighting

In their natural habitat, Bolivian Rams spend most of their time in shaded areas. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the lighting in the tank low or dimmed. If the tank includes plants that require strong lighting, be sure to provide shaded areas within the tank as well. Floating plants on the surface can help create shaded areas and reduce light intensity.

Tank setup

The Bolivian Ram is a captivating addition to any aquarium, celebrated for its striking colours and peaceful nature. They are native to the rivers and streams of Bolivia and Brazil, where they inhabit shallow, slow-moving waters with an abundance of vegetation. To replicate their natural environment and ensure their health and happiness, there are several factors to consider when setting up a tank for Bolivian Rams.

Firstly, it is recommended to have a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 litres) for a pair of Bolivian Rams. However, a larger tank is preferable to provide ample swimming space and territorial divisions, with a capacity of 44 gallons (200 litres) or more for a group of 6-8 fish. The bigger the tank, the better, as these fish enjoy their space and are very active.

The tank setup should aim to mimic the natural habitat of Bolivian Rams. Use a sandy substrate to recreate the riverbeds they are found in and provide plenty of organic matter and food at the bottom for them to sift through and feed on. Incorporate objects such as stones, caves, driftwood, and live plants to create a well-structured environment with both sheltered and open areas. Recommended plants include Java ferns, Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, and Water wisteria. Floating plants on the surface will provide shade and reduce light, replicating the shady conditions of their natural habitat.

It is important to install a filter that maintains a lower water flow, as Bolivian Rams are accustomed to calm waters. An exterior-mounted canister filter with an adjustable outflow can be angled towards the surface of the water to dampen the flow. Regular water changes are also crucial, with weekly changes of 20-25% recommended to maintain water quality and ensure a healthy environment for the fish.

The lighting in the tank should be low or dimmed, as Bolivian Rams spend most of their time in shaded areas in the wild. If you have a planted tank that requires strong lighting, be sure to provide shaded areas as well.

To summarise, when setting up a tank for Bolivian Rams, aim for a spacious tank with a sandy substrate and an abundance of plants and hiding places. Install a filter with a low water flow and maintain regular water changes. Keep the lighting low or dimmed to replicate their natural habitat. By following these guidelines, you can provide a healthy and comfortable environment for your Bolivian Rams.

Food and diet

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and will eat almost anything you give them. In the wild, they sift through the substrate for small organisms and plant material. In captivity, they do well on a diet of dry food, such as sinking pellets, and enjoy the occasional meal of chopped earthworms or brine shrimp.

It is recommended to feed them multiple times a day, keeping the meals small to avoid overfeeding and to prevent large amounts of food from affecting water conditions.

In terms of specific foods, you can feed your Bolivian Rams frozen or live food, such as bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. They will also eat commercial flake or pellet food, but ensure that the food is sized correctly for their small mouths.

As bottom-feeding fish, they prefer to feed from the substrate, so pellets are a better option than flakes. You can also give them Hikari Micro Pellets, which they will gobble up.

In the wild, their diet would include river detritus (plants and various seeds), so a mixed and varied diet with pellets or flakes combined with meaty foods will help them maintain a balanced diet and keep their brightly coloured appearance.

Tank mates

The Bolivian Ram is a peaceful, community-friendly fish that enjoys being in a group of 6-8 of its own kind. They are compatible with schools of small-sized Characidae species, which include:

• Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
• Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
• Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)
• Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
• Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)
• Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)
• Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)
• Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus)

Other suitable tank mates include:

• Angelfish
• Corydoras Catfish
• Dwarf Pencilfish
• Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus)
• Pygmy Hatchetfish (Carnegiella myersi)
• Barbs (Tiger, Cherry, Odessa, Rosy, Gold, or Odessa)
• Guppies (adult)

When choosing tank mates, it is important to consider the size of the fish. Smaller fish may be viewed as prey and may be eaten by the Bolivian Ram. Similarly, larger or more aggressive tank mates may pose a threat to the Bolivian Ram by competing for shelter or floor space.

Breeding

Preparing the Breeding Tank:

It is recommended to set up a separate breeding tank to avoid the eggs or fry from being eaten. This tank should be at least 15 gallons (68 liters) in size. To make the fish feel comfortable, line the bottom with substrate, flat stones, and small plants. The water temperature should be between 80°F and 83°F (27°C to 28°C) to stimulate spawning, with a pH of 7 to 7.5 and a water softness of 10 dGH.

Pairing and Spawning:

Bolivian Rams reach sexual maturity around 9 to 10 months old. It can be challenging to distinguish between males and females at this age, but males are generally larger with more extended dorsal and anal fins, and more vibrant colors. A common setup for breeding is to keep a single male and a single female together, allowing them to form a strong bond.

You will know they are ready to spawn when they hover over and protect the same rock from other fish. The female will swim over the rock several times before depositing her eggs, with the male staying nearby to guard the breeding site. The female will lay 10 to 20 eggs on the stone, after which the male will fertilize them. This process will repeat until the female has released all her eggs, which can take up to an hour.

Egg Care and Hatching:

Both male and female Bolivian Rams will care for the eggs, fanning them to keep the water moving above and around them. They will also remove any non-developing eggs. After 2 to 4 days, the eggs will hatch, and the larvae will feed on their egg sacs for about a week before starting to swim. At this stage, they can be fed small brine shrimp, vinegar eels, or nauplii.

Caring for the Fry:

It is recommended to keep the young in the breeding tank until they are 2 to 3 months old and big enough to join the community in the main tank. Maintaining water quality is crucial when raising the fry. It is best to perform small water changes after each feeding session, as frequent, minor changes are less stressful for the fry than large changes. A combination of microworms and crushed spirulina flakes is a suitable first food for the fry. As they grow, you can introduce newly hatched brine shrimp into their diet.

Diet and Spawning Triggers:

To increase the chances of successful spawning, a varied diet is essential. Offer a combination of high-quality flake food with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, glassworms, and similar meaty options. Increasing the amount of live, meaty foods in their diet is known to encourage spawning.

Compatibility and Group Size:

Bolivian Rams are peaceful community fish, but they can become territorial during breeding. To minimize aggression, it is ideal to maintain a group of 6 to 8 individuals, with a ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females. They should be provided with ample hiding spots and visual barriers in the tank to help reduce aggression during breeding.

Frequently asked questions