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Electric Blue Ram

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

Complete Electric Blue Ram care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Electric Blue Ram

Quick Answer

Electric Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 7.2 and temperature range of 26-30°C. This omnivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Electric Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the bottom levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Electric Blue Ram requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 20 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 26-30°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.0 - 7.2 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Electric Blue Ram is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Electric Blue Ram has a peaceful temperament. They are compatible with other fish of similar sizes and temperaments. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: african cichlid, oscar.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
26-30°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 7.2

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Electric Blue Rams should be kept together?
Keep strictly as a single verified male-female mated pair in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Electric blue rams (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi variant) are highly sensitive to stress; groups of more than one male or multiple pairs cause lethal aggression. Two males in under 40 gallons (150 liters) fight to severe injury. Provide at least 4 flat stones or clay caves as visual barriers and potential spawning sites. In community tanks, keep a single pair only. Avoid with boisterous tetras or barbs that outcompete them for food.
What are the exact water parameters for Electric Blue Rams?
Target pH 6.0 - 6.8 (optimal 6.5), General Hardness 2 - 6 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 1 - 4 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 60 - 150 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 120 - 300 μS/cm, and temperature 82°F - 86°F (28°C - 30°C). They require very warm, soft, clean water; temperatures below 80°F (27°C) cause immune suppression and disease. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 30% water changes using RO water mixed with tap (2:1 ratio). Use a sponge filter or gentle canister. Add Indian almond leaves (1 per 5 gallons). Ammonia and nitrite must be 0 ppm; any detectable level causes rapid deterioration.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Electric Blue Rams?
They are omnivores requiring 45% protein, 12% fat, 43% plant matter. Feed sinking micro granules (Hikari Vibra Bites), frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, and blackworms 2-3 times daily. They ignore dry flakes; pre-soak pellets. Avoid beef heart (causes bloat). Medication alert: Extremely sensitive to copper (0.1 mg/L lethal), formalin, and malachite green. Use praziquantel (2 mg/L) for internal parasites. Quarantine with metronidazole (5 mg/L) for 10 days to treat hexamita. Avoid salt (tolerance <2 ppt). They are prone to hole-in-the-head; maintain pristine water and supplement with vitamins.
How to breed Electric Blue Rams with environmental triggers?
Select a bonded pair (9-12 months old) and condition with live blackworms and brine shrimp for 3 weeks. Raise temperature to 86°F (30°C) and perform 30% water change with soft (2 dGH), cool (75°F/24°C) RO water to simulate rain. Provide a flat stone or slate tile (3x3 inches). The female lays 100-200 eggs; both parents fan them. Eggs hatch in 60-72 hours at 84°F (29°C). Wrigglers become free-swimming in 5-7 days. Feed microworms and baby brine shrimp 4 times daily. Remove parents if they eat fry. Frequent 20% water changes with same temperature water are critical for fry survival.