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Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 9:09 pm
by darwin
I've got a 75 gallon tank with 6 discus, all around 4 inches. Water params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Thinking of adding a pair of German Blue Rams. Anyone tried this combo before?
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 10:00 pm
by FinMaster
Rams and discus can work if the water's soft and warm, like 82-84°F. Rams need similar conditions, but they're more territorial during breeding. What's your pH and hardness? Also, how's the tank decorated? Plenty of hiding spots?
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 10:07 pm
by flame
FinMaster wrote: ↑Sat Aug 02, 2025 10:00 pm
Rams and discus can work if the water's soft and warm, like 82-84°F. Rams need similar conditions, but they're more territorial during breeding. What's your pH and hardness? Also, how's the tank decorated? Plenty of hiding spots?
Yep, gotta watch the Rams when they're spawning. They'll chase anything that moves. My discus didn't care, but my cardinals got stressed. You got dither fish in there?
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 10:46 pm
by barbsforlife
I tried this once and the Rams were total jerks. My discus just hid in the corner. Maybe my tank was too small though, only 55 gallons. How big are your Rams?
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 11:38 pm
by Lynx
It's doable, but you'll need to monitor aggression closely. Rams can be feisty, especially if they pair up. What's your feeding routine? Overcrowding during meals can spark fights.
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2025 11:56 pm
by kayden
My discus are pretty chill, but I've never kept Rams. Are they harder than discus? I heard they're sensitive to water changes.
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 12:53 am
by darwin
FinMaster wrote: ↑Sat Aug 02, 2025 10:00 pm
Rams and discus can work if the water's soft and warm, like 82-84°F. Rams need similar conditions, but they're more territorial during breeding. What's your pH and hardness? Also, how's the tank decorated? Plenty of hiding spots?
pH is 6.8, hardness around 4 dGH. Tank's got driftwood, java fern, and some crypts. Two big sponge filters and a canister. Think that's enough cover?
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 1:08 am
by FinMaster
darwin wrote: ↑Sun Aug 03, 2025 12:53 am
FinMaster wrote: ↑Sat Aug 02, 2025 10:00 pm
Rams and discus can work if the water's soft and warm, like 82-84°F. Rams need similar conditions, but they're more territorial during breeding. What's your pH and hardness? Also, how's the tank decorated? Plenty of hiding spots?
pH is 6.8, hardness around 4 dGH. Tank's got driftwood, java fern, and some crypts. Two big sponge filters and a canister. Think that's enough cover?
Sounds solid. Just watch the Rams during feeding time. They're quick and can hog food. Maybe spread the food out so the discus get their share.
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 1:16 am
by flame
Yeah, Rams are little pigs. I had to use two feeding rings to keep the peace. Also, what's your water change schedule? Rams hate dirty water almost as much as discus.
Re: Adding rams with discus
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 1:44 am
by Lynx
flame wrote: ↑Sun Aug 03, 2025 1:16 am
Yeah, Rams are little pigs. I had to use two feeding rings to keep the peace. Also, what's your water change schedule? Rams hate dirty water almost as much as discus.
Agreed. Weekly 50% changes are a must. And drip acclimation for the Rams—they're not as hardy as they look.