Angelfish in 36 gallon -- too small?

[eeyipes]

Well now that the disaster that was my tank seems to be under control I visited the LFS to see what's new. I'm going to wait a few days, then start restocking.

A pair of angelfish in a 36 ... too small? I had 2 in a 29 a long time ago, and they seemed cramped. I love them but I'm not sure if this tank would be good for them. Tankmates? Maybe harlequins?

Or perhaps 12 mixed color tiger barbs (regular, green, albino) and an opaline gourami? Who else might be able to live with tiger barbs? They had rubber lipped plecos which were cool.

Or a few fancy goldfish, I've never had those before ...

There wasn't much else that seemed interesting except the cichlids, but won't be redoing my aquascape for that. The LFS doesn't carry rams ... she told me they always die within a day of stocking them. They also have no rainbowfish, unfortunately.

 

[Star_Rider]

2 in a 36 should be fine but it may depend on the dimensions of the tank..Taller tanks are fine ..btw 29's work ok for a pair as well

 

[eeyipes]

This tank is 21 1/2" tall, but has a carpet of java fern which is up to 10" tall. So angels are probably a no-go?

 

[wesleydnunder]

I wouldn't mix goldfish with tropical. A pair of angels will do ok in a 36. In stead of a rubber lip plec I'd do 6 panda cories and I'd go with 8 or 9 rasboras to finish it off. I wouldn't stock it any heavier than that. Also, You should quarantine each new species for thirty days before putting them in the show tank. Always stock slowly and lightly if you can...

Mark

 

[jpappy789]

I'd say a group of corys + the rubberlip wouldn't necessarily be overdoing it...depending on the exact species in question. Sometimes Chaetostoma cf. thomasi are marketed as "rubber" or "rubberlip/nose" plecos (not sure if the latin name has been updated...but oftentimes called a "bulldog" pleco as well). They only max out in the 4-5" range.

 

[eeyipes]

Well after some thought I've decided on 4 tigers, 4 green tigers, 4 rosy barbs, the blue gourami and the rubberlip pleco. I have a small driftwood for the pleco but I'll be on the lookout for some more. Good luck to me

 

[FreshyFresh]

Certainly a 180deg change from the pair of angles, but sounds great none the less!

IMO, a 29g or even better, the taller 37g OR your 36g is perfect for a pair of angles. Your current list will be a lot more lively though.

 

[evil wizard]

No. I would not recommend any type of gourami to live with tiger barbs. I have a blue gourami with some serpae tetras and Big Blue(female gourami) is about 4 inches.but the serpae tetras are not as mean as tiger barbs.if you DO put them together then you will see that the barbs will nip the gouramis feelers.

 

[tropicals]

The rasboras would look great. My 55gallon has mixed tetras and one angle with a slew of mixed corys.

 

[SirMuffin]

Personally I would have some reservations with the gourami and the the tiger barbs. I would be considered with nipping with chasing but it would be an awesome thing to try out!