{"product_id":"german-blue-balloon-ram","title":"German Blue Balloon Ram","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe balloon ram is a short-bodied form of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, carrying the same gold, blue and violet colouring on a compressed, rounded frame. The shape comes from selective breeding for a shortened spine, and it is worth being clear about that: it is a deliberate body deformity, it makes the fish a weaker swimmer, and balloon forms are generally less robust than standard-bodied rams. Plenty of people keep them well; you should simply know what you are choosing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAquarium care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmaller in length than a standard ram, but deep-bodied.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwims less strongly, so keep flow gentle and provide resting spots near the bottom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeeds warm water at the upper end of the tropical range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly sensitive to nitrate and to swings in water quality; only for a mature tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful, and easily outcompeted at feeding time by faster fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed small amounts of quality flake, micro-pellets and frozen foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest kept in a quiet planted tank with small tetras, rasboras and corydoras that tolerate the same warmth. Avoid fast or pushy tankmates entirely. If you are new to rams, a standard-bodied fish is the easier place to start.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is available for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. Browse the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dwarf-cichlid\"\u003edwarf cichlid collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tank Pets","offers":[{"title":"Medium","offer_id":44025189957832,"sku":"99145","price":24.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0659\/9724\/2568\/files\/photocomingsoon_ef7485cb-0e37-494e-a209-b0e1a9033e90.jpg?v=1736456196","url":"https:\/\/www.tropicalfishimports.com\/products\/german-blue-balloon-ram","provider":"Tropical Fish Imports ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}