Apistos and Rams?

[LabDaddy]

Hi all,
I was wondering if it would be possible to keep apistos and rams in a 20L planted tank? I was thinking just one pair, or possibly trio, of each.  Not sure which species of either yet but leaning towards EBs for the rams. I haven't seen a species of apistos I haven't looked yet so that's up in the air.  If there was a species that would be more compatible I would appreciate any recommendations! Thanks in advance! - Jeff

[Ron]

I would be inclined to pick either rams or apistos, but not both in a 20L. They are different species, but close enough in size/shape, that they tend to not tolerate the other in constant close quarters. Being a planted tank, going with more than 1 female would be alright, but IME the male will tend to pair up with one and the other will remain a loner.

If you're dying to have both in the same setup, I was able to run a pair of each in a both a 6' long and a 4' long (both 18" wide) planted tank setup.

[LabDaddy]

Ok, I was leaning towards just getting a pair of Rams and your reply has made up my mind.  The tank is still fairly young so it will be another month or two before I start looking for Rams. Currently the tank is housing half a dozen Corydoras Reynoldsi, a dwarf blue gourami and a juvenile pair of Turquoise Jewel cichlids that I'm growing out for a few months before they go in my big tank! I figure after they move out the tank should be mature enough for the Rams as I've read they're especially sensitive to water quality and should never be housed in a new tank.