What size of Angelfish would it be best to add?

[gustavo85]

Hi! Right now I have a 4" super veil tail angelfish and I'm planning on getting 3 more when I get the 38G tank. But I was wondering of what size would it be better to add the other three? Would it be best if they are quarter sized, nickle sized, as big as the one I have now or how big? Thanks for your help!

[petluvr]

I don't know if a 38 gallon will be big enough for 4 angels especially if they pair off, just my opinion though:)

[gustavo85]

how big a tank would I need? 45G? 55G? how big? And how many could I put on a 38G?

[petluvr]

It all depends upon if they pair up or not. I have a pair in a 29 that will harrass almost anything I put in the tank with them, especially when they have eggs. You may be able to get two pairs in a 55 but that IMO might still be pushing it. I am by no means an expert when it comes to angelfish so you may want to wait and let some others chime in :)

[gustavo85]

I am by no means an expert when it comes to angelfish so you may want to wait and let some others chime in :)
Sure buddy, no problem, I just wanted to know your whole opinion. I was definitely looking towards a 38G specifically since right now I have a 30G and the 30, 38, and 45 Gallon tanks have the same area (all that changes is the height). I'll wait and see what others say. Thanks for your comments!

[Bk718]

i would keep 2 max in a 38.. once they grow fully they will harass not only others but each other if theres limited room for them..

Though you can get 4.. wait till you get a pair and then sell/trade the other 2

[gustavo85]

Thanks BK for your reply but I'm going to provide you with my situation. I bought a quarter sized black angel a month ago but apparently was weak and almost died so I placed him in a 5 gallon while he grew stronger. In the meantime I bought a 4" super veil tail angelfish which is in the tank right now. But I was looking forward to place the black angel in the tank also (I still have a 30G, since I will buy the 38G on Christmas). Is it possible to add this quarter sized angel to the tank or not? If so, should I add him now or should I wait 'till he grows up a little more. Thanks!

[Bk718]

you can try adding now but keep on eye out on the feeding. I have a gold and black angel and when i got them they were about the same size (body of a quarter) Well months later the gold angel got a boost in growth and is now way larger than the black one. One of the reasons this happened is because the gold one would always be first to get the food and would be very greedy, putting in as much as it can in its mouth.. Due to this i have to stuff her/his mouth first and then safely feed the rest of the tank.
Also the larger angel can be a bit pushy when feeding/hungry and can chase off the smaller angel.. but in my tank my bolivian rams keep the angels in check and when ever any moves 2 fast for their liking they let them know whos the boss of the tank.

also since the fish are still small you can keep them safely in the 30-40g tanks.. eventually the height of the tank will not be for their liking..

[gustavo85]

Ok, well you're saying that angels need the height of a 45G? Also I had a few fish that I had to take out of the tank because they were nipping the long fins of the angel and they kept him "on check" but also a bit too nervous. Now he seems to be starting to rule the world. Would it have been better to leave these fish in the tank? or what do you recommend me to do?

[Bk718]

Ok, well you're saying that angels need the height of a 45G? Also I had a few fish that I had to take out of the tank because they were nipping the long fins of the angel and they kept him "on check" but also a bit too nervous. Now he seems to be starting to rule the world. Would it have been better to leave these fish in the tank? or what do you recommend me to do?

what were the fish??

if the angel starts to act like hes the king of the tank move him to another tank for a week and add w/e fish you want in the 45. The new fish will get used to the tank and know where to hide etc.. Then a week after add the large angel back to the tank and he will once again have to get used to it and wont be so pushy with others.

My rams push the larger angel away at times and the angel does end up getting damaged lower fins.. but with good water changes the fins heal up extra fast.

[Lupin]

55g for a group of 5-6 angels.

[gustavo85]

Hmmm...I guess I'll try to see if 2 can live fine in 38G...they seem to be trouble makers these guys lol

[gustavo85]

I dropped the little guy in with the big dude a few hours ago BK, and everything seems fine. He looked at him but ignored him (apparently to small to pose a threat!).

[Bk718]

Good to hear. Now keep an eye out during feedings

[gustavo85]

Good to hear. Now keep an eye out during feedings
Everything ok during the feeding today BK! Thanks for your help I'll let you know! BTW I posted a new thread called: "could they be eaten?", could you check it out? Thanks again!