Article: A pair of Blue Rams will do best in a tank that is at least 10 gallons. If you add other fish or other cichlid pairs, then you'll need to go up to at least 20 gallons. Disregard everything you've heard about the one gallon of water per inch of fish rule, it's simply outdated and extremely flawed. Remember that German Blue Ram Cichlids can grow to be 23 inches (5.17.6cm) at maturity. Overcrowding is not a problem to be taken lightly. It can stress your fish out, making them more prone to illness. It can also lead to increased aggressiveness and even starvation. Rams are accustomed to the tropical waters of Venezuela and Colombia, right near the equator. The areas they occupy are shallow with minimal cover, and they require consistent water temperatures of at least 80 degrees, with 82-86 being optimal. A heater can be used to regulate your tanks temperature. An aquarium light improves tank visibility. Many people choose to purchase an aquarium hood that includes a built-in light and heater. Whatever lighting setup you choose, German Blue Ram Cichlids do best with light during the daytime. 6-8 hours of light a day is plenty; any more than that and you may run into algae problems. This is the base material that covers the floor of your tank. Blue Rams prefer sand or gravel, as they mirror a Ram's natural habitat. Make sure to rinse your substrate out before adding, otherwise it will make your tank appear murky. Add at least 2 inches (5.1cm) of sand or gravel at the bottom of the tank and spread it out evenly. Blue Rams do best in a complex habitat with a number of good hiding spaces. Be sure to include plants, rocks, caves, and driftwood in your tank. These items will make water changes more of a hassle, but will improve the health of your cichlids in the long term. Place larger plants on the outer perimeter of the tank. Make sure to leave swimming space in between and an open area in the middle of the tank. The Dwarf Amazon Sword and Brazilian Water Ivy are two plants that Blue Rams enjoy. A good selection of driftwood pieces can help regulate the pH level, provide great hiding spaces, and serve as a plant anchor. Make sure to buy your driftwood from a pet store, as this will ensure that is safe for aquarium use. You may notice some water yellowing after adding driftwood, this is perfectly normal and can be remedied via regular water changes.
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Select the proper tank size. Install the proper heater, hood, and light. Add substrate. Provide ample and appropriate tank decorations.