Breeding Bolivian Rams-Water Quality?

[Joelio]

Hello, I'm new to this forum, and I will be soon aquiring a bolivian ram breeding pair from a friend. I recently bought American Cichlids I: Dwarf Cichlids. Authors: Horst Linke & Dr. Wolfgang Staeck. In this book it stated that the fish were found in water with a pH of 7.6, and a very high hardness level. Can you successfully breed these fish in that water???

Thanks,

Joel

 

[mooman]

I want to know the answer to this also. I've heard the same collection data on bolivian rams. But I also see numerous posts from people claiming these fish need soft acid water, or alkaline soft water. I know some people are getting these guys confused with blue rams when they offer advice, but others seem to be somewhat experienced.


I've also wondered how much time of year, and recent weather affects water conditions at the collection sites of wild fish. You could collect a fish at the end of the rainy season, test the water and assume that is the fish's ideal ph and hardness. If you go back 2 weeks later, after the rains have begun you could be talking a whole different ballgame. Am I way off base? Anybody have any personal experience or read about it?

 

[Joelio]

Exactly, although it quotes in the book I have that they were bred in tap water. The water had a pH of 7.5 and carbonate hardness of 12 degrees, and total I think 14 degrees. That is quite hard for a dwarf S/A cichlid. And in the book the author got fry from it.

So...can it work???

-Joel

 

[Randall]

Breeding Mikrogeophagus altispinosa

Hello Joel and Mooman,

The consensus seems to be that Mikrogeophagus altispinosa prefers moderately soft and slightly alkaline water (pH 7.0-7.5). Please understand, however, that this is not etched in stone and that water quality is more important than water chemistry.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn