What type and how many rams can i add to my tank?

Question

I have a 55 gallon tank that I just got and I'm still cycling it, and I'm thinking about the fish that I will get.

If you were in my situation and wanted to get angelfish and some type of ram(s). WHAT KIND of rams and HOW many of the rams AND angelfish would you get?

I don't plan on breeding but if it happens then I'll be fine with it.

I would also add some kind of loach like a clown loach or something or something that would get 3-5 inches long, and a small sucker fish

( pleco )! thanks!!! tell me what you would do. Also if there is any room left, what other fish could I get and how many?thanks again

Answer 1

The type of Ram isn't really important-- they'll all be the same temperment, size, and need the same food.  It is entirely your preference, though keep in mind wild caught Bolivians tend to be more fragile and run more risk of introducing internal parasites to the tank.  I would go with 3-5 Rams, depending on s*x (the more females, the closer to 5 you can come), and just as many Angels, allowing them to either school (which they'll do when young) or eventually pair off (which they will).

For Loaches, I would NOT recommend Clowns-- they get VERY large (over a foot) and need groups for comfort, so you should really be lookign at a 125+ gallon tank.  A group of Kuhli Loaches, Dwarf Chain Loaches, Zebra Loaches, Yoyo Loaches, Angelicus/Butterfly/Polkadot Loaches, or similar, moderately sized species.  You've got room for 4-5 of one of the larger species (Yoyo, Angelicus) or 6-10 of the smaller ones (everything before Yoyo).  If you want Cories, I would go with them INSTEAD of Loaches, just to limit the amount of activity along the substrate.  5-9 Cories wouldn't be a problem at all.