THIS IS A DUPLICATE MESSAGE FROM THE BREEDING AREA.
I double posted because I really need some advice!

I just got back in town today and found that three of my checkerboard cichlids and one of my two golden rams were dead.

I tested the water - perfect.

I had noticed that my german rams had colored up & I had seen them acting more aggressive. I figured they'd paired up and become territorial. I'll be taking the surviving gold ram and checkerboard back to my LFS tomorrow so they don't get killed. (sad - but I'd rather they live)

So anyway, I did a big ol waterchange since the 55 is also my discus tank. Later tonight, I noticed at least 100 eggs in the spot where the german rams hang out. Blew me away. They spawned.

They take turns guarding the eggs, fanning them, and chasing off any fish that gets too close. Even the discus are keeping their distance.

In a few days the eggs will hatch. My concern is that the rams will either hurt the discus defending the young - or the discus will eat all the fry.

I know rams are good, attentive parents. My question is when can I seperate the young from the parents? Do I need to seperate the parents from each other at any point?

Here're my possible fry headquarters as it stands now...

1) Leave them in the 55g with the discus
2) Put them in a 10g with baby bristlenose plecos
3) Put them in a 20g with young angels (not my first choice!)
4) Put the angels in with the discus temporarily & give the fry
the 20
5) Temporarily put up another 10g for the fry

Sheesh. Someone give me a simple answer please. (Not holding my breath for a simple solution - but would appreciate one!)

Thanks

(Awsome pics coming as soon as I get them posted!)

Arrrgh.

To summarize. My very beautiful German Blue Rams paired and began to spawn. But before they did, they decided to eliminate any potential threats in the tank.

My current death toll is one Gold Ram, three Checkerboard Cichlids, and one missing (hopefully ok) Royal Pleco baby. Then I saw the rams start going after the discus aggressively.

Well, we have a strict rule in my house. "If you hurt a discus, get the hell out."

So although it pained me to get rid of a beautiful pair of spawning rams, I just didn't have the space. Kisskiss girl & her hubby are taking them which makes me feel better about the whole thing.

Anyway - to see what I filled the empty space in my tanks with - check out the cichlid section.

(Be prepared to read more of me complaining about the rams in that post, too)