View Full Version : Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) 30 gal suitable tank mates?
Ruskie
08-10-2010, 4:14 PM
Hello
I have tall 30 gallon tank (2' length, 2' height, 12" wide) and I will be adding lots of plants to it with a 96W light.
Anyway I have one Pterophyllum scalare (marble) in the tank with bare gravel and I need some ideas about other tankmates after I get the plants taken care off.
One of my ideas is to just have a pair of angels
Or one angel and some type of school of fish
But what? Cardinals? What kind of tetras are suitable?
Im looking for South American fish only.
Thanks
waldo12
08-10-2010, 5:14 PM
IMO the tank is too small in length for a pair of angels, so I'd go with the other option. The common type of tetras sold, like cardinals (might work with adults and a bigger tank), neons, and glowlights are too small and will be eaten very easily in smaller tanks as the angel reaches adulthood. Larger tetras such as Red-eye tetras (not sure if 2' is enough swimming space for them) or lemon tetras (not that large, just their shape makes them hard to swallow :D ) A school of around 7 or 8 would be fine. Cories would also make a good addition to a South American setup, they're great bottom feeders. A school of 5 or so would fully stock the tank.
Ruskie
08-10-2010, 5:49 PM
IMO the tank is too small in length for a pair of angels, so I'd go with the other option. The common type of tetras sold, like cardinals (might work with adults and a bigger tank), neons, and glowlights are too small and will be eaten very easily in smaller tanks as the angel reaches adulthood. Larger tetras such as Red-eye tetras (not sure if 2' is enough swimming space for them) or lemon tetras (not that large, just their shape makes them hard to swallow :D ) A school of around 7 or 8 would be fine. Cories would also make a good addition to a South American setup, they're great bottom feeders. A school of 5 or so would fully stock the tank.
Thats what I thought
Thanks for the advice :thm:
waldo12
08-10-2010, 6:25 PM
No problem :D Oh if you don't want cories, you could also get either 1 bristlenose or a group of otos (both will help control algae as well).
Ruskie
08-10-2010, 7:54 PM
No problem :D Oh if you don't want cories, you could also get either 1 bristlenose or a group of otos (both will help control algae as well).
I like cories and im gonna get em:grinyes:
lemon tetras look cool and so does the red eyed tetra
Are there any other Characins that will be okay with the angel?
waldo12
08-10-2010, 8:17 PM
Maybe Emperor tetras, or diamond tetras. Both are a bit picky in water conditions. Black Skirts are the right size, but they can be a bit overly active and nippy at times. Or you good go for some smaller species of hatchetfish. Don't know much about those though, and even a 2' tank might be a bit too small for them.
I have a breeding pair of angels in a 30 gallon and have had no problems what-so-ever. They both are beautifully colored, have a voracious appetite, and spawn approx. every 7-14 days. However, if you do not have a mated pair and intend on just putting two angels together in a 30gl then you will definitely have territory/aggression problems from them. Hope this helps.
Ruskie
08-10-2010, 9:19 PM
I will have good water quality by the time I get the fish so thats not my big concern
I cant have hatchetfish becuase I will have an open hood
I wish I did have a mate with my angel but you cant figure out whos a male who is a female :huh:
Thanks for the advice im still researchin