German Blue Ram: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
A small, colourful cichlid that needs warm, clean water. Best in a mature tank of 20 gallons or larger.
- Minimum tank
- 20 gallons
- Temperature
- 78–85°F
- Group size
- One or more
- Adult size
- 2.5 inBottom of the tank
- Needs warmer water than most community fish, so choose tank mates that also like 80°F.
- Sensitive to poor water quality; not a first fish.
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many German blue rams per tank size
The most you could keep if German blue rams were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | German blue ram, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 20+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Too small (needs 20+ gal) | |
| 20 gallon | Up to 6 | Plan this tank |
| 29 gallon | Up to 10 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 14 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 19 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 27 | Plan this tank |
What you need for a german blue ram in a 20-gallon tank
A starting setup: 1 german blue ram in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
20-gallon tank
- These fit a 20-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 82°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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German blue ram tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with German blue rams, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: zebra danio, white cloud minnow, fancy goldfish, cherry shrimp, amano shrimp. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around German blue rams
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderGerman blue ram questions
What size tank does a german blue ram need?
At least 20 gallons. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many German blue rams can I keep in a 20-gallon tank?
Up to about 6 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do German blue rams need a heater?
Usually yes. German blue ram does best at 78–85°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 20-gallon tank needs about 150 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with German blue rams?
Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras. They share a temperature range and temperament with German blue rams.