Suitable set-up for Angelfish?

[CharleyDog]

Hi,



I have a 30 gallon (30"L x 12.5"W x 19"H) planted aquarium (java fern, java moss, wisteria (I think), miniature swords) with a gravel substrate and an Ehiem 2213 canister filter. I can’t remember the type of heater, but the tank stays fairly consistent at about 78F and the heater can be turned up if necessary.



The tank is cycled, and I added flourish excel and a liquid fertilizer after water changes. The tank is vacuumed / 30% water changed each week.



Currently the tank contains 4 platies and several endler guppies (which will hopefully have new homes by the end of this week).



I would like to add 5-6 corys for the bottom (probably juli or panda) and I would like to increase the platy group to 6 or 7.



I would like to add a single angelfish as centerpiece fish, but I’m not certain if this is a suitable set-up for an angelfish. from the reading I have done, it seems like the fish should be compatible and the tank size should be adequate and I'm not concerned about fry being eaten (in fact, I'm hoping for it.)However, I'd like confirmation from someone besides the guy at the fish store who is trying to get me to buy the fish!



Is the tank and the set-up suitable for an angelfish?



Thanks!

[stephcps]

I think it is perfect for a single angel as centerpiece!!

[ExPeNsIvE HoBbY]

Generally angels prefer taller tanks as they swim up and down as a posed to side to side like arowanas do. As long as the tank is tall enuff, which it seems it is, it should be fine. I keep my breeding pairs in 30g tanks for two large adults, and about 40-70(depending on how many I sell) juveniles in a 135g grow out tank.

While angels appreciate plants for cover and look beautiful amongst them, just make sure the plants don't limit swimming room too much. Fish like guppies have no problem navigating through them, but angels being bigger and leas streamlined have a harder time if it is over planted...

[CharleyDog]

Thanks for the information.

I'm thinking of trading out the wisteria (or whatever it is) for some type of val, as the exisitng plant is getting really bushy and I'm getting tired of cutting it back. The vals would still provide some cover for the platies, but would take up alot less volume in the tank.

I'll try to remember to take and post a photo of the tank tonight - I've tried to keep the plantings to the back and sides so that there is swiming room in the center of the tank.

Also (and this might be a really dumb question, but I don't know the answer...) does it matter what order the fish are added? If I do decide to go with the single angelfish, I was thinking of getting it next and feeding it the platy fry while it is in the quarantine tank (in addition to flake/frozen food) to keep the fry numbers down in the main tank. Once the quarantine is complete, the angel would go into the main tank and then I would purchase the corys and quarantine them. Will the angel have issues with fish added once it is already in the tank?

Thanks!

[ExPeNsIvE HoBbY]

Usually you add the most aggressive fish last. Kinda the new kid on the block thing. But I don't believe with your stock list you have any equal territorial issues, as all your fights will be one sided with the angel winning...

[CharleyDog]

Yeah, I don't really see the platies or corys being much of a concern to the angel. However, I will still probably add the angel last, as it will also give me time to think about if the angel is the best solution to what I am after (centerpiece fish that will help with fry clean-up).

Thanks.

[ponderingky]

The general rule of thumb is 10 gallons per adult angel - so your set up is fine and should do quite well for any lucky angel you choose to put in it.

[Star_Rider]

"I have a 30 gallon (30"L x 12.5"W x 19"H)"

this is a nice set up for an angel.. most 30's are shorter and longer
sounds like you have a good plan.

[CharleyDog]

Thank you for all of the replies. I will progress with the tank stocking and plant changes and the angelfish will be added last.

Lindsay

[user_name]

The general rule of thumb is 10 gallons per adult angel - so your set up is fine and should do quite well for any lucky angel you choose to put in it.

I disagree, an angel obviously can't go into a 10, and 2 angels in a 20 isn't going to work either.

You should be fine, another centerpiece to look into would be a pair of German Blue Rams if you up the temp a degree or two. They look stunning in any tank, and I believe that Petco and Petsmart have started to carry them.

[Star_Rider]

I disagree, an angel obviously can't go into a 10, and 2 angels in a 20 isn't going to work either.


actually.. I believe ponderinginky was stating general rules...
10 gallons per adult angel is the general rule for fitting angels to tanks..caveat is usually put in (like minimum 29 gallon)
but breeders often use 20 talls for breeding pairs of angels. remember tho , this is a breeding pair and the only inhabitants of the tank.

for a display tank.. different set of rules..IMO, a 29, or in this case a taller 30 would work great.

[Temptress]

I have a friend that is an avid breeder of angels and ALL his pairs are in 20high tanks, so yes 2 angels CAN go into a 20g =) I do agree with 1 angel certainly not going into a 10gal tho haha but I think the "1 angel per 10gal" is a rule once you get a little -up- there in the gallons, same is true of discus that is their rule as well but you wouldn't keep less than 4 therefore, not less than 40gal would be sufficient, in my experience.

To the OP, the tank you tell about sounds beautiful, and a perfect setup for a happy angelfish gl with it! =) Pics will be a must!

[NB_Aquatics]

Generally angels prefer taller tanks

19" is not tall enough? how tall are your angel tanks?


I agree with ponderinginky 10g per angel is fine... he has some fine angels and raises tons of them so i think he knows what he is doing.

Also i have one angel in a tank with those exact dimensions, he has plenty of room, and he is a veil tail.

[ponderingky]

I disagree, an angel obviously can't go into a 10, and 2 angels in a 20 isn't going to work either.

I never suggested to put an angel in a 10 gallon tank, as star rider said, just giving a general rule. On the 2 angels in a 20, all my breeders are in 20 H's and do just fine. They are the only fish in the tank and I do have a couple of artificial plants in with them, pool filter sand on the bottom and a slate. I have raised thousands of angels with this set up - you just have to keep up with your tank maintenance. I was only trying to let charley know that if he decided to have an angel in his set up that it is fine. I too think it will be a beautiful tank once it is up an running!

Hope that clears it up a bit.

[tfrank112]

19" is not tall enough? how tall are your angel tanks?


I agree with ponderinginky 10g per angel is fine... he has some fine angels and raises tons of them so i think he knows what he is doing.

Also i have one angel in a tank with those exact dimensions, he has plenty of room, and he is a veil tail.

my angel/discus tank is 130gallons. Though I would not suggest putting an angel in a 10 gallon unless you want to kill it, and for a breeding tank to be 20gallons is mean as well. Minimum breeding tank for angels is 30 gallons. Angels want at the very least 20gallons per fish. They get big and their fins get long and need space.

[ponderingky]

tfrank,

I guess we have to agree to disagree. I have been breeding angels for over 5 years in the 20H's and they don't seem to be stressed or unhappy - I don't disagree that 30's are a great breeder size but 20H's work too. I have 3 full slates as of this evening so something must be working. I feed them well, do regular water changes and give them breaks from time to time. I also have pool filter sand in all my tanks - another no no according to "breeders" - but I don't like bare bottom tanks so I don't have them.

I don't want to hijack this thread - so Charley enjoy your angel in the 30 you have set up and know that he/she will be fine.