[fms50]

I have GBR's in one tank and BR's in another. The water conditions and dither fish are identical in each tank. Can these two fish be combined in the same tank. I know they will live because as stated the water parameters are the same. Are they compatable tank mates?
Thanks

 

[Flippercon]

The BR's are a little bit more aggressive then the GBR's. I dont see why not.

 

[dwarfpike]

It's not usually recommended since they have vastly different temp requirements. Either one, or both, are going to be out of their prefered range. It can be done, but not stress free.

 

[fms50]

What are the ideal temps for each? I have both tanks just under 80 and all are doing fine.
Because of this my real concern is how well they will get along with each other

 

[dwarfpike]

Blue rams do best at 84F-86F in most people's experience. This coincides with where they are found, which averages 84F-90F in nature.

Bolivians are found south of the Amazon, so they are naturally found in the 74F-76F. Though they breed when it gets to the 78F-80F range, their natural waters don't stay this hot year round like the blue ram's waters do.

 

[fms50]

I guess I have been lucky with both at 79*. I did loose 3 or 4 blues a while back when I did a water change and forgot to turn my heater back on. The temp went down to about 70. I did not notice until I found the dead and then checked my temp several days later. I always assumed that is what caused their demise. Do you think thats what caused it?

 

[dwarfpike]

Most likely, blue rams are not very cold tolerant.

 

[fms50]

So do I understand that you think they will probably get along?

 

[dwarfpike]

Depends on the size of the tank. Male blue rams can be nastier than what people expect, a pair can claim a 24"x18" area when breeding.

 

[fms50]

Its a thickly planted with driftwood 46g bowfront. However there is plenty of open space near the front. I currently have 4 blues in this tank and was thinking of putting one or two BR in there. The remainder are a few tetras.

 

[fms50]

I have never had any breeding. Maybe because of the 79*. The BR's are almost twice the size of the GBR's.

 

[lil_gold_ram]

I had a bolivian in with my electric blue ram, it didn't work out too well, the bolivian harassed the blue relentlessly. It also tried to make a snack out of my pygmy cories, needless to say it went back to the LFS, I wasn't happy about it, cuz I kinda liked it But it all depends on their individual personality, you could try it, some are more peaceful than others.

 

[fms50]

About a week ago I added the gbrs in with the brs. For several days one little gbr tried to push one of the large brs around but the br just ignored him. Now they get along fine. I also added a krib just to see what would happen. Nothing happened. Sure things will change if spawning ever starts.