The Fish Files: Rams

Sorry for going AWOL, but my boy is now six weeks old and I feel like I can get back into this KZbin thing!
Massive thanks to all you guys and girls for sticking with me and subscribing to the channel. This episode, as you probably have guessed, is on the small peaceful cichlid: the Ram.
They are a really good community fish for your aquascaped aquarium, as long as you meet their requirements.
I've got some awesome new products, a few more videos on planted tanks and an amazing new aquarium that I will show off as soon as MD Fishtanks releases the build video.
Follow me on Instagram
/ matt_swfishkeeper
#cichlid #dwarfcichlid #fishkeeping #aquarist #aquarium #fish #aquascape #communityfish #communityfishtank #fishtank #matt_swfishkeeper #fishshopmatt

[@DznyDiva]

Love this vids! I think it would be awesome if you did a video telling us how you got involved in this hobby/business. Always nice to hear how people find their niche. Keep up the good work!

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah a few people have asked for this so definitely will be one for the future.

[@SK-pb2nv]

I added a group of Bolivians to my Amazon tank this weekend. I have one old lady Bolivian left over from a group who had mostly lost her colour, I thought through old age. Within an hour of adding the new ones in she's coloured up brighter than I've ever seen her! Lovely little fish

[@FishShopMatt]

That's amazing news! Sounds like she was very happy with her new friends! ❤️

[@yashtapase3821]

Hello sir I'm getting 2 pairs of them Can I keep them with leaf litter tank and lots of driftwood to hide, high current flow. Tanning water. And will they live bristlenose pleco angles tetras and Cory's

[@victoriablack5552]

Congratulations on the birth of your son. Keep the dad jokes coming 😂

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you and will do! ❤️

[@mkuc6951]

Sorry, unhinged matt is the best kind of matt.

[@dalyo96]

Opinions on corydora hasbrosus? I’ve found them very hard to keep myself

[@FishShopMatt]

They can be a bit funny sometimes when they travel, but once we get a group settled in the store they do very well.

[@RabbiSpruceTech]

Matt, I'm coming over from MD's channel, and I'm so glad you're a youtuber now! Really good video - I like your content/information, your presentation style, and of course the fish! As someone who sits on their ass all day watching youtube videos, could I offer some notes? Upgrading your microphone and sound quality will go a long way. I like your graphics, text, and b-roll, so you can definitely up those as well. It feels like some type of elevator (sry, "lift") music would do well. Can't wait to see what else you upload - Cheers!

[@liamhoffen8529]

Matt, we love your videos. How about a bio video? Tell us how you got into fishkeeping, what drew you to the store, how you and MD got together.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, yes definitely one for the future.

[@robertcibalevski4237]

Hi great video. I have a beautiful 3foot planted tank with various tetras and shrimp. Can blue rams be kept with my shrimp?

[@FishShopMatt]

Risky with the shrimp, I have seen some being kept with shrimps but after all they are a cichlid so if they want they will predate on shrimp.

[@user-vg3os8ds7m]

Hi Matt!! Happy to see you back doing videos and keep holding up 💪🏼🙌🏼 It’s already great that you’re back and filming again so soon. Would love to see you do a video on all kinds of rasboras. Chili, Axelrodi, and more. And perhaps a video of shrimp? Even if it’s called fish files. I’ve been struggling with my shrimp tank (every time I het new shrimp, they settle in for a month and typically breed. Then after the first month I usually start getting a death per week…)

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much ❤️ With your shrimp they may not be getting the elements they need. Check your water chemistry and compare online to what the species you're keeping requires. It maybe a food issue where they aren't getting enough of the food they need, with this just get a specific shrimp food from a reputable company. Or lastly it maybe a slow poisoning issue where a heavy metal or something coming from your water is slowly poisoning them. With this have a look at Arcadia poly filter as you can run it in your filter and it will change colour depending on which pollutant is present.

[@emmanueljohncoching28]

My male balloon gbr keeps on chasing the female aggressively, but since I've got a lot of plants she usually is able to run away. Will things get better over time (it's been about 2 months) or should I find another female?

[@FishShopMatt]

Tricky to say, in theory it should get better and calm down but as with humans everyone has their own personality.

[@666Maeglin]

i dont like colour variants and hate mangled body shapes. i prefer healthy wild types above everything

[@FishShopMatt]

Each to their own, that's what makes the Fishkeeping community awesome is everyone's individual tastes! ❤️

[@diamdante]

great video. I've never had rams but the bolivian ram is on my future wishlist :) will you ever do a fish file on flag ciclids? they are another species on my wishlist, and I know are somewhat related to rams

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, both are on the list so hopefully soon! ❤️❤️❤️

[@caffeinatedbee9554]

Would you mind doing a fish file on Oto catfish? I love your video! Hope you have a great day.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you and yes this ones hopefully coming soon!

[@davidsaunders2106]

Great video. Rams are one of my favourites. You get all that cichlid personality in a small package.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you and absolutely you do!

[@alisonnicholson]

Could you do a fish file on the peacock gudgeon please?

[@FishShopMatt]

Coming soon, once I get some in store. ❤️

[@alisonnicholson]

@@FishShopMatt thanks Matt. Appreciate it 😊👍

[@emmanuelolivenciaayala5036]

i’ve been looking everywhere for electric blue rams! absolutely love them but if i ever get a pair i would be spending around $70 in shipping alone because i can’t find it locally 😭😭😭

[@FishShopMatt]

Ooooo that's a nightmare.

[@James_Hande]

Loved the video Matt. I'm in the U.S. and been in the hobby since the 60's. In the 70's I added what was supposed to be a pair of Bolivian Rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) to a South American themed community tank with a temperature of 78F/25.5C but they didn't last long. They might have been wild caught. But you just confused me stating that the German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) can be kept at that temperature. But yet all the information points to 84-86°F/29-30°C. Just wondering if I can actually be successful keeping the German Blue Ram at a temperature of 78F/25.5C? I really love those little guys and just not ready to setup a high temp Discus tank LOL.

[@FishShopMatt]

I've had many customers keep Rams at a lower temp absolutely fine. I personally think it maybe the whole discus thing creeping into the ram world of keeping them at those high temps. You've got to remember that rams are being bred all over the world and probably in many different temps and phs. Again they are a sensitive cichlid but find a good quality strain from someone you can trust and you should get along fine! ❤️❤️❤️

[@James_Hande]

@@FishShopMatt Thank you so much Matt. I will certainly put them on my wishlist and give them a try. 😁

[@Y2J3469]

Ram video wearing an Angelfish shirt… 🙄

[@86Kera]

😂 at least it’s still in the cichlid family

[@MDFishTanks]

"WHAT IS A RAM!!!!!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@FishShopMatt]

🤣🤣🤣 love a good shouty intro!

[@zacharykunzer2823]

Thank you for confirming that I can keep my German blues at 78°F!!! I’ve been nervous after reading so many places saying it needs to be 80 at a minimum. Others have pointed out that after so much time being bred in captivity that they should be fine in a slightly lower temp.

[@dalyo96]

Wouldn’t neon tetras and most corys not be a good match with rams as they prefer colder water ?

[@FishShopMatt]

Neons I believe are documented in the wild to live up to 28c and I'm sure there are some species of Cory that inhabit the same river system as Rams. If you keep the Rams at around 26c it opens you up to a lot of Corys and Tetra species.

[@wendybouchier6721]

Great content, any chance of showing how to anchor large plants , like the Lilly in the discus tank ? Thanks xxxoooo

[@FishShopMatt]

Yes absolutely I will try and put it in a future video! ❤️

[@bobby_au]

Entertaining and informative! I did have to google colours after the video just a quick picture would be nice but that's just me being lazy af. Ty for a great video

[@bobby_au]

Oh and recommended tank size for a pair?

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you for the feedback! I will make sure I include it the next episode. ❤️❤️❤️

[@BGN_Aquariums]

Nice to see you back Matt, and great to hear your little boy is doing good. I have a breeding pair of electric blue rams, and a pair of german blue rams( that dont seem to be interested in each other). Your video has confirmed im doing thing right. Hopefully i get some babies soon. Keep up the good work. Keeps safe 🐠

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you buddy, very kind of you ❤️

[@madness4690]

I just discovered you from "MD fish Tank". Instant subscribe 😜. Love your vibe n I'll be checking out your contents. Please make your channel a unique one in your own rights n innovative ideas. Extent your creativity and I'll be supporting you always. Thank you 😊 Btw do u have an extra "Jacket" 😂

[@Lanky4561]

Lovely fish. Are they shrimp safe? Adult cherry shrimp specifically

[@FishShopMatt]

Risky, but if you get smaller ones and keep them well fed I have seen them kept together successfully.

[@Lanky4561]

Thank you!! Keep goin with the vids. Lovin them :)

[@IStarkI]

Love your content. Keep it silly AND informative and you got a winning combo. I am watching aquarium videos like crazy as my family and I are getting ready to take the plunge back into the hobby after decades away. We are hoping to get a 75 gallon (280L) tank. I would love to have almost all the tank mates you mentioned to a couple pair of Rams. My choice right now for a center piece fish are Dwarf Gouramies. Wish me luck and I would love any advice on setting up a new 75 gallon freshwater.

[@Kyddoemiko13]

Thanks Matt while I do enjoy my Rams these guys are so fragile I have my Rams in a 10 gallon with Penguin Tetras and l Lemon tetras. The Rams are golden and German Blue. My most recent order was the German Blue Rams but I think I got the Bolivian Rams. I wasn't to mate them up but before you know it there's another deceased fish 🥹what to do .

[@gammy6133]

Matt Matt Matt cuz ur Matt Matt Matt!!! truly enjoy your videos cuz u have a great sense of humor unlike that other MD guy!! bahahahah j/k :) I am in the process of cycling a 13 x 13 x 13 inch tank which I would love to put a Betta into once it is ready and was wondering what kind of clean up crew I could add to it. What I have been reading is that this 10 gallon is not very good for many fish cuz of the surface area & I wouldn't want to overstock it. Oh, maybe u could do a fishfile on Bettas? hmmmmm /wave

[@Scorpielle]

Thank you for this!!! I added a pair of balloon blues to my 75 gallon community tank,, and I unfortunately lost the female after a couple of days,, not sure what happened , I just didn’t see her and I can’t find her hiding in the back behind the plants ( my tank is heavily planted, like MD lol ). Should I add a single female again, or try for a group of 3 females? My community is currently guppies and a few honey gouramis. Thanks!

[@richardfrench9481]

I think you might actually make better videos when your suffering from lack of sleep. There's no other option, your going to have to make more babies. Human and fish!

[@zilvinasaleksandravicius7091]

Ei MAT i have massive 650l tank properly setuped already with plants, but I don't know nothing about fish, now came time to make this tank home for some fish , dose it possible to get some advise for where and how can help me to collect right types of animals to fish tank 650 l

[@dianejordan8852]

I am looking for Spiderwood in the USA But can not fine it... HELP

[@iwonasemaine6627]

Keep wanting to add more corys and even rams to my tank. Might be your enthusiastic influence? 😊 I used to keep rams ages ago but it was in a soft water area. Now I live in East Anglia, hard water zone, will they have any chance for a long and happy life? They are available for sale in my local fish store, are they more adaptable being widely farmed? Thank you.

[@MsAntiflo]

Love your videos. What rlse can I put in a 16 gallon tank that contains a betta, 3 kuhli loaches, 4 amano shrimp, 6 neon tetras and 1 mystery snail? Or do I have enough fish?

[@madness4690]

As i notice you have only one playlist n tbh I'm not really interested much in knowing all the fish info or build more than one tank for myself. 😅 So I request you to make a different playlist that involves different topics n contents which will keep someone like me interested in a long run. There are so many inspiration u can take from everywhere and the one I would roughly suggest is to make a video about building the "smallest tank in the world with the smallest fish" or something like that with a nice catchy thumbnail. I'm sure you'll grow rapidly. I want you to be famous. 🥳🥳 New fan.

[@eldiefranzjoseph5182]

Very informative Matt.. I can suggest to use a external mic for a better audio.. but over all its very nice video.. may your channel grow! 🙏👍

[@karlmitchell7609]

great vid Matt ... guessing alot in this vid can be transferred to keeping Apistos too? Any chance of a vid on manipulating water parameters ... oop north our water is that hard we have to slice it 🤭

[@FishShopMatt]

Absolutely a lot of this can be applied to them, the one thing to remember is that there are a lot more species of apistos and so their care needs can vastly differ. I will certainly work on a video for that.

[@karlmitchell7609]

Thanks Matt 😁

[@peripheralsapien8491]

Seems I got the 1%! My Bolivian ram is an absolute terror, he's killed 2 females and he hates my bleeding heart tetras although he's not quick enough to catch them, to be fair though he's fine with my cardinals, glowlight tetras, and corydoras

[@jdssurf]

i only tried bolivians for a bit, i loved them, but they just got skinny and died in about 4 months. No idea why. Planted tank with rasboras and ph about 6.5

[@marienixon148]

Another great video! Always assumed I couldn't have Rams in my community. Probably still won't but it's been very interesting!

[@TerryDidd-d7z]

I've been doing this hobby for 20 years, and I'm still scared to get Rams 😅 and I want them so bad

[@suffysdave]

Just added a couple Bolivian Rams to my tank that has already Pearl Danios in it, so great video Matt, just the info I needed.

[@shonhatley541]

Thank goodness. We've missed you Matt. So glad you're back and making videos. This makes me happy. Job well done, and keep them coming. Love it.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, I missed it too! ❤️

[@angimojo72]

Rams are my very favorite, but I had no luck with them. I do have beautiful bolivians that are doing great though. Thank you for your awesome videos, and keep em coming please! Love to you all! ❤

[@rachelschildman2327]

Love the rams, but wondering what average life span is? Am having a hard time keeping mine longer than 6-8 months.

[@Bandit_Aquatics]

I have a pair of black rams & a pair of electric blue rams. I was informed that they were male electric & female blacks. Is there a possibility that they could mate?

[@dastiles1]

Great video! While there are some very important things in life outside of the hobby it is good to see you back to making new KZbin videos.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you and I'm glad to be back! ❤️

[@AquascapingCube]

Another great video :) Keep them coming... but take a few hours of sleep from time to time ;)

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, ahhhh who needs sleep! 😴😴😴

[@supastihl89]

Heard you mention buenos aires tetras a while back. Would be cool to hear about them and other tetras. Just got some in the tank and they are so active.

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Only problem is that the rams you get have never seen a real river, they are accustom to breeding and pet store tanks. So the only reason for doing a river decor is for your own pleasure, not for the fishes benefit because they never seen it and probably will stress over it.

[@matthewpinfold8375]

For tank mates do you think Honey gourami would be appropriate or do you think they would not get on?

[@simonbuys]

Great video! I really like the fish files :) would love to see one about the rainbowshark.

[@michaelstoughii1920]

Thanks Matt. Have an Amazon themed aquarium I am setting up and was considering rams. It's 39 gallons, so I'll get a pair. You're info was helpful and timely. Remember the days of little sleep, but those little ones are such a blessing. Congrats to you and your wife.

[@FishShopMatt]

You're more than welcome and thank you! ❤️

[@Lexie456]

When talking about how many fish per tank, can you give a rough idea of what tank size. So if i wanted to keep 2 pairs of rams, what size tank would that be?

[@FishShopMatt]

Alex I wrote that down on the last video and completely forgot to include it in this one! Thank you for commenting and reminding me. Personally I would say around 100L because that gives them space but I have seen people be successful in aquariums down to 50L-60L.

[@Talons_N_Tails]

Glad your back! Congratulations on the baby ❤ … I also love your wearing a MD shirt and supporting your friend ❤

[@JoeHolt]

Waiting for more Species Highlights! Love em. Tanks for the series.

[@robkuhn7999]

Good to see you! Glad to hear the youngling is well! Don't worry, he'll eventually sleep more.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, yeah he's getting there! ❤️

[@Emolly6518]

Thank you again Matt! Making learning easier and fun

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad I could help! ❤️

[@darthbader6506]

They are beautiful fish, I'll have to try keeping them one day. Thanks for the info

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you and they're well worth it!

[@alexmahon1]

Thanks to MD fish for introducing your channel which I prefer as it’s more to do with fish than flower arranging in a glass box.looking forward to some more of your vids….a big thanks 👍

[@MrSlmarvin]

Great video Matt thank you congratulations again on the birth of your son

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much

[@noretreat6910]

Well done,the sleep will come,

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you ❤️

[@sergio79arg]

rams rams rams rams rammmssss

[@FishShopMatt]

But, WHAT IS A RAM???

[@TheNanoAquariumGuy]

Hurray for Dad Jokes!

[@FishShopMatt]

Woohoo 🤜🤛

[@copingwithcrazy]

Very informative, and it was cool to see the salt water tank and watch your puffer. I'd love to see more of the tank

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! It's actually a completely freshwater aquarium with our puffer and rays. Will cover it in a future video.

[@meyou805]

So good to see you back! Sleep deprivation is great - for us 😂

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha thank you! ❤️

[@timothycommo1903]

Are Rams Shrimp safe?

[@FishShopMatt]

With caution, shrimp like Amano have a better chance of doing well. But anything smaller would be a risk, but I have seen it done lots of hiding places would give you the best chance.

[@louisjames7875]

Hi Matt looking for a fish about 2 inch that can live w a betta and can be the only one of its species in the tank any ideas 😂😂

[@margaretasaarenpaa4239]

This was just what I needed. Been thinking about getting a pair of rams. This video sealed the deal.

[@gauravyadav8937]

If they are captive bred then what is the need to simulate the habitat.

[@FishShopMatt]

No real need to do it at all. Some people like to simulate their natural environment others want a shipwreck, it's just a personal choice.

[@gauravyadav8937]

@@FishShopMatt But in actual they are not used to, to their natural habitat 😅

[@rayvalero8580]

We need a Betta video next!!

[@FishShopMatt]

Coming soon! ❤️

[@Jpoy_29]

Sir matt, is it normal that my electric blue ram is always chasing the male ram?

[@SubiKinubi]

I have a couple of ewes, will they breed if left alone together?

[@jacobcone5945]

Matt, I love these fish file videos! It is awesome watching you get better and better at making them. It makes me excited to keep fish! Keep up the great work!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you buddy! ❤️

[@michaelflashganesh6669]

I'm so happy you started youtube can't wait to watch all your stuff

[@hawkinsdcaleb]

Will they eat smaller fish like chili raspbora?

[@juliepackham6669]

Please make rams into a gift and use it everyday lol

[@dazzac2708]

great to see you back, Matt, and congrats on your new baby. I am sure you're relieved, but for those of us desperate to trim your beard, we're just as happy as you!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you buddy, be careful I may let it grow again. 😂

[@supastihl89]

Get you a halo light and this is great work.

[@valeriee9532]

Hi Matt. Great video. Love your bloopers❤️😂🤣. I have never kept rams, but they sure are a nice looking fish. By the way, I’m glad baby boy is doing well...and (random comment) your beard looks nice!

[@FishShopMatt]

Hey 👋 Thank you 🧔👶❤️

[@cullinf2077]

Keep it up man.

[@FishShopMatt]

Will do! ❤️

[@globalfamiliesfirst]

Hi 👋 Matt ! New subscriber here ! I really enjoyed this video. Looking forward to the next! Now go get some sleep lol 😆. Frances

[@FishShopMatt]

Hey 👋 and welcome. I'm trying to get sleep but the boy has other ideas 🤣

[@Keith-cc6mr]

Nice video. Is it possible to keep Rams in hard water? I hear conflicting information on this? I’ve Been told find a local breeder with similar water and all should be good. I’ve got Dkh 10, GH 13 and ph 7, but that’s when co2 is on, so in the night it increases

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, I have heard of people doing so. Like you say best bet is to find somewhere local that breeds/keeps them successfully in those slightly harder parameters and you should be fine.

[@realangiechrist]

I've got a pair of GBRs in a tank w/ endlers and African Dwarf frogs- they do really well together. They spawn regularly but sadly the abundant ramshorn snails always sneak in and eat the eggs. The fish don't seem to recognize the threat.

[@FishShopMatt]

Amazing! Yeah sneaky snails are a pain!

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

great vid

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you ❤️

[@jaime8318]

How big is the tank behind you?

[@SlickNick3]

Congrats on the baby boy!!! I have very hard water where I live so rams don’t do well in my water. I kept a pair of GBR’s alive for about a year. I’m assuming over time the hard water affects them negatively and probably shortens their lifespan. Beautiful fish but I plan on sticking to fish that can handle my very hard water from now on

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! Yeah hard water can be a problem for software species.

[@fbasantajr]

Matt, another great fish file, outstanding video. (Rice Fish file?) thank you from NYC.

[@FishShopMatt]

Hey! 👋 Ricefish are definitely one that will come up soon.

[@Luke_Ray16]

Legend, thanks for the tips

[@chrisduell4210]

Another awesome video! great to see you back in action! Looking forward to getting some Rams one day.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you buddy❤️

[@danlondon4588]

Perfect coincident, was planning on going to check some out tomorrow morning! Thanks Matt 🙌top work

[@FishShopMatt]

Awesome glad it came in handy! ❤️

[@dogmandoug1715]

peace ✌️

[@FishShopMatt]

🤜🤛 🫶

[@rubbengr1]

Welcome back. Very nice presentation on Rams. Very informative and entertaining. I have not had good luck so far with German Blue Rams. I read alot about poor genetics due to poor breeding to sell fast. Hoping to have better luck in the future.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, what you need to remember is there will be hundreds of companies/people breeding rams and some will be stronger and more looked after than others. It's just finding that decent supplier.

[@alisonnicholson]

Absolutely love Bolivian rams, for me they were my go to ram species. biggest regret was rehoming mine. I'll have to get some more. Great fish file, enjoyed this one. Encouraged me to keep rams again👍

[@FishShopMatt]

Awesome that's great to hear it's inspired you ❤️❤️❤️

[@corydorassterbai8659]

Lets GO, you posted. Great work. Love ur content. Next Time maybe do a cryptocoryne plant file? :P

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! ❤️ Plant files are definitely in the works.

[@kj_fishtanks]

You remember that I told you about my gbr's that were breeding? Well after the first spawn they never spawned again and while I was on vacation my male died. Now I have to wait another month on a new gbr fish-delivery in my LFS. And also have to deal with the age gap between the new male and the much older female.

[@FishShopMatt]

That's a shame. Fingers crossed it all works out well for you! ❤️

[@ThomasOwl]

Nice

[@FishShopMatt]

🫶

[@rmillzy77]

I’ve kept rams, one occasion I kept a German blue for just over a year… however recently I bought one and he lasted about a week, with no ill signs at all.

[@FishShopMatt]

That's a bit of a odd one, possibly just a bit of stress from the move?

[@stephaniemajewski5030]

CONGRATULATIONS a million times over on your new lil babe! Excited to see you back at it!!! I wish I could add Rams to my tank but my water is very hard and no amount of botanicals is going to help. Maybe in my next home 🥰

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much! ❤️ Yeah it can be an issue for them.