What size tank do German blue rams need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a pair, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi.
How many German blue rams in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if German blue rams are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many German blue rams |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | 2 |
| 29 gallon | 2 |
| 40 gallon breeder | 2 |
| 55 gallon | up to 4 |
| 75 gallon | up to 6 |
| 125 gallon | up to 12 |
Check German blue rams against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Needs warm, soft, very clean water.
- Best kept as a pair. A pair will claim a patch of the tank floor and defend it, most of all when they have eggs.
Tank mates for German blue rams
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Rummy-nose tetra
- Cardinal tetra
- Threadfin rainbowfish
- Lemon tetra
- Marbled hatchetfish
- Ember tetra
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
Poor matches
- Guppy: They need different water: German blue ram likes a pH of 5–7, guppy likes 7–8.2.
- Neon tetra: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: German blue ram likes 79–86 °F (26–30 °C), Neon tetra likes 70–79 °F (21–26 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as German blue ram.
Questions and answers
What size tank do German blue rams need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many German blue rams should be kept together?
At least 2. German blue rams are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can German blue rams live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. German blue ram needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do German blue rams need?
79–86 °F (26–30 °C), with a pH of 5–7. In most homes that means a heater.
Can German blue rams live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 20 gallons (76 liters) or more. They like the same water: 79–82 °F (26–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.