Tank stocking...

[Bear]

Hi all

I'm planning on getting a little 5 or 7 gal tank for my desk in my office...something entertaining to look at during the day.
I really want to put two angelfish in it, but realize that they'll eventually become waaaay too big for a tank that small.
Do you think a single angel would get lonely in a tank all by him (or her) self? Are there any breeds of angel that don't get quite so big?
(edit: after posting this I noticed the tanks stocking thread going below for ideas on other fish...sorry...)
Alternatively, any ideas on how to convice a skeptical wife that a 55-gallon tank in the living room is a better idea than a 5 gallon tank in my office so the stocking isn't so much of a concern? :D

Thanks

Scott

[OrionGirl]

No way to keep an angel in a tank that small. They will all get too big. You could go with a pair of dwarf gouramies and some bottom fish like the smaller cories.

As for convincing a partner--best bets are to show them around some nice fish stores, with good display tanks. If you know someone who has a tank, ask if you can get a tour (I know this sounds weird, but it works. Most people are thrilled to have someone interested in the tank, as opposed to the person who glances at it, and asks why you would keep something like fish for a pet). A beautiful tank sells itself.

[PumaWard]

I've never seen any thing like a pygmy sized angel... However, there are many options for small tank that are often over looked. You could probably have a small shoal of neons or similiar sized tetras which would be entertaining... or if you looking for a more people orientated fish, a betta or paradise fish are the way to... It really depends on your taste. If you could tell us what kind of fish (in general) you are looking for, we can give you more options. Hope this helps though. :)

[Bear]

So I'm thinking of a betta for some personality...
and maybe a few small loaches to keep the bottom
clean.
As far as I know the loaches tend not to be fin-nippers
but most of the small ones prefer to be in schools...
Any other suggestions on good tank-mates for a betta?

- I've managed to convince her that if I settle for a mini-tank
now, I can have a 75 gallon tank in our next house :cool:

[OrionGirl]

Kuhli loaches are ideal fish for a smaller tank, IME. They will happily live in groups, don't bother other fish, and just ask for some wood or rock piles to hang out in. I have a 5 at work with a pair of dwarf gouramies and 5 kuhlis. A small chunk of wood and some plants makes everyone happy, and comfortable. The kuhlis were about 1.25 inches long and thinner than a pencil when I added them, and are not each about 2.5 inches long, and big around as my pinky finger. In addition to keeping the bottom clean and stirred up, they are fun to watch and quite social. They do startle easily--visitors to my office doubt I have any fish in there. I feed algae tabs, blood worms, and the occassional shrimp pellet, in small amounts. They sometimes get a cucumber or broccoli chunk from one of my salads (no dressing!).

[Bear]

Thanks for the advice!
I'm heading out early next week to pick it up...
I'll post some pics when I get it up and running :)