Looking for help with my first Angelfish tank!

[Keisha]

I've been thinking about putting angelfish in our 55 gallon aquarium eventually, but I've never had angelfish before and have a lot of questions. I'm sorry this is so long.
First off, what kind of water would be best? I know they prefer softer, slightly acidic water but my water is the opposite of that. I know getting driftwood in the tank and putting peat in the filter can help, but what about water changes? Should I just add water conditioner to the tap water and use that?
Do they need a sponge on the filter or to add anything specific to the tank? Is there a kind of filter that works better for them?
What about having live plants? Are some plants better than others? Will they tear apart my plants?
How do I prevent breeding/spawning? I really don't want to have them producing new babies every few weeks. Is it possible to have a group of all females, and if so how would I achieve that? How many would be a good number of adults?
If you have any other tips for me, all help is welcome and appreciated!

 

[jimv8673]

Here is a good article for you to study; http://aquariumtidings.com/angelfish-care/

 

[tanker]

Wow, so many questions,
1) They like sofe low PH water, but can adapt to local water. Drift wood in the tank can/will help.
2) All fishes will do better with WC. Depending on size and load of fish, about 10-50% weekly changes.
3) Tap water is fine, but ALWAYS add/use a conditioner. I like Prime.
4) Any good filter or conbination of filters for your tank size would be good. Which brand is up to you.
5) Plants again is up to you. Some are more difficult to grow then others. Angels do not bother plants.
6) You cannot prevent breeding. Just let the angels breed. If you do not want babies, do not help the fry.
7) In a 55gal, about 10 Juvies would be good, then just remove the ones that are picked on.

 

[henningc]

Tanker has given great advice. One suggestion is you may want to use some sort of dither fish to distract the angels and keep aggression down. Not saying they are all that aggressive by cichlid standards, but individuals can get testy. I'd most likely use a couple of good size female Endlers or Guppys. Don't worry about reproduction, the angels call them snacks. Some of the Goodieds work well and provide less quantity but some live food.

 

[wesleydnunder]

Wow, so many questions,
1) They like sofe low PH water, but can adapt to local water. Drift wood in the tank can/will help.
2) All fishes will do better with WC. Depending on size and load of fish, about 10-50% weekly changes.
3) Tap water is fine, but ALWAYS add/use a conditioner. I like Prime.
4) Any good filter or conbination of filters for your tank size would be good. Which brand is up to you.
5) Plants again is up to you. Some are more difficult to grow then others. Angels do not bother plants.
6) You cannot prevent breeding. Just let the angels breed. If you do not want babies, do not help the fry.
7) In a 55gal, about 10 Juvies would be good, then just remove the ones that are picked on.

+1

Mark