Are you looking to make angelfish and Bolivian rams tankmates in your aquarium? Are you wondering can bolivian rams live with angelfish?
Will they get along or will it lead to disaster?
In this article, we’ll find out if we can keep angelfish and Bolivian rams together.
Can Bolivian Rams Live With Angelfish?
Yes, Both fish are native to South American tropical waters and found in similar water conditions. They are compatible and peaceful tankmates as long there is enough space for them in a clean tank.
What Size Tank Do Bolivian Rams And Angelfish Need?
Both types of fish will be able to live together in peace, but the tank size is essential. Keep in mind that Angelfish are larger and need lots of swimming room.
A 55 gallon tank is a good starting point for 2 Bolivian rams and two Angelfish. You can try this set-up in a 40 Gallon tank as well, but we recommend a 55 or 75 gallon tank for more maneuverability and territory.
Bolivian rams will enjoy the sandy substrate and swim mostly at the bottom of tank. Angelfish will prefer the mid level of the tank which helps keep their spaces spread out and apart from each other.
What Are The Water Parameters For Bolivian Rams and Angelfish?
Both types of fish are very popular for their ability to be adaptable. They both enjoy softer water that is slightly acidic to mimic their natural conditions in the wild. Look to keep the pH between 6.0-7.5.
Angelfish and Bolivian rams are able to live in temperatures ranging from 72°-80°F. The water hardness should be around 3-8° dKH (54 to 145 ppm). Both fish are hardy enough to survive fluctuations and you may have to consider the needs of other sensitive tankmates in your aquarium first.
The higher the temperature, the more they have to work at breathing and swimming. Angelfish can handle a wide range of temperature up to 82-84°F, but it isn’t necessary to go that high. Angelfish and Bolivian rams in stores are tank raised and are fine with lower temperatures around 72-78°F.
When Is Not Ok To Keep Angelfish and Bolivian Rams Together?
Look out for the following situations.
- Breeding Time
- Small Tanks
- Territorial Disputes
Both fish are considered peaceful, but things can change when it’s time for breeding. A pair of Bolivian rams may chase away Angelfish who come near their eggs or fry. Breeding conditions for Angelfish also involve increased activity that may stress out their tankmates.
Some fish keepers choose to keep a separate breeding tank or divider in their main tank during breeding times. The other issue could be territorial disputes in a smaller sized tank. Otherwise, the angelfish and Bolivian rams swim in separate spaces and shouldn’t bother each other.
How Do I Introduce Angelfish and Bolivian Rams Together?
It’s best to place angelfish and Bolivian rams in the same tank at the same time. Bolivian rams will settle into their zones as a single or pair. If you place a new Bolivian ram later on, they may have a hard time adjusting or finding room in a tank that is already populated with their counterparts.
Cichlids like to be territorial. Add them in together and create enough spaces for them to find their zones. Add floating plants as well to provide shady spots. A piece of driftwood also works great to divide up these zones.
Do Angelfish and Bolivian Rams Fight?
Angelfish tend to keep to themselves at the mid level of the tank while Bolivian rams enjoy digging the sand at the bottom. Both types of fish would like the space and places to swim through to separate themselves from each other.
Angelfish are larger and get bossier during feeding times. This could lead to some aggressive behavior. It’s best to give Bolivian rams sinking pellets while Angelfish swim around collecting flakes on the surface or mid level. Both species are peaceful and should not fight with each other.
Which Fish Are Good Tankmates For Bolivian Rams?
Bolivian rams are hardy and peaceful with tankmates. It’s best to stock your tank with similar fish that are relatively equal in size. Smaller sized fish could get nipped at if they get too close, but Bolivian rams will keep to themselves for the most part.
Look to introduce the following fish to your tank containing Bolivian rams:
- Silver Dollar fish
- Emperor Tetras
- Rummy Nose Tetras
- Kuhli Loaches
- Cory Catfish
- Dwarf Gourami
- Cherry Barbs
- Guppies
- Platies
- Angelfish
Conclusion
Bolivian rams are one of the most peaceful cichlids you can keep in a tank with angelfish. Both species are peaceful and do not usually interact negatively because of territorial disputes.
Angelfish are energetic and larger in size. They will require larger sized tanks if you plan to keep them with tankmates such as Bolivian rams. A 55-75 Gallon tank would work best for pairs of angelfish and Bolivian rams. Make sure to keep the water softer and slightly acidic.
Keep in mind that both of these fish come from similar places in the South American regions where the water is warm and tropical. You should not experience many issues with keeping angelfish and Bolivian rams together.
We hope your Bolivian rams enjoy coexisting with the tankmates available to them in the ecosystem you have set up for them.
Thank you for visiting HelpUsFish.com and we hope to see you again soon for another article about any of the fish you may have an interest in keeping.
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