Need info on angels...

[Luvbugz]

I think I am falling in love with angels. They are just so darn pretty. I really wanna get a good sized tank with about 2 or 3 pair, maybe a pair of gourami and a school of tetras or something.. Does anyone have an good info sites on angels?? How many angels can be housed comfy in a 55gal? How about a 75gal? I am not finding any sites that are really telling me very much. Any and all info is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[dbcb314]

I had 3 angles in a 50gal at one time. They were not a breeding though. They have plenty of room and were very healthy. I could see putting 4 in a 55gal, but idk about breeding pairs though...

 

[Dangerdoll]

technically, you can put 4 in a 55 as juveniles but as they mature and pair up, you may have to wind up separating them as the aggression will be viscious.

 

[aardvark1]

I have two pairs in my 55 (along with cories, some Buenos Aires and Black fin tetras).

No problems.

The two pairs stay at either side of the tank (will have territory displays at each other in the middle, no attacks), other fish are ignored except for spawning time, then the eggs are defended.

 

[Dangerdoll]

hmm.... I stand corrected however, I will say this. I would think that this tolerability between paired angels is on an individual basis as my 2 pairs wound up needing separation due to the aggression. That being said, you can try it but be prepared for separating in the interim if needed.

 

[Nolapete]

The problems I've found with aggression in paired angels stems from lack of enough suitable spawning locations i.e flat surfaces of large leaf plants or vertical flat rock faces. A 4' 55 gallon tank is enough room for a dozen angels with proper decor. I wouldn't of course suggest that as it would indeed be close quarters if they all started breeding at the same time. I've always started my angel groups with 8 and then moved them around or traded a couple once I got the pairs I wanted. If you don't intend on breeding them, then you can put a dozen in there. The aggression will be limited if they do spawn because the eggs will get gobbled up very quickly, most likely while they are spawning.

 

[aardvark1]

That might be...

I have Sword plants at either end of the tank; thats where the Angels spawn. Rest of the plants, Rotella, etc are scattered around the middle and back.

 

[Luvbugz]

Okay, so what I am getting so far is... Angel pairs should be alone in the tank (maybe with other fish but no more Angels). Pairing up Angels is hit or miss so buy like 3 or 4 and take back when a pair is established?? Gouramis and angels can get along?? Am I getting this right??

 

[Nolapete]

You can keep angel pairs in a community tank. Just don't expect the eggs last very long. Gouramis are great tank mates for angels. The only fish you don't want to keep with angels are fin-nippers like tiger barbs. You can have a nice variety with some schools of smaller fish. Most tetras will nip each other instead of the angels if there is a decent size school 6-8 or so.

 

[Squawkbert]

My DG harrasses my P. scalare no end. I don't know why the Angel tolerates it, but it happens. No biting, generally, just chasing.

Summarizing what, from above sounds correct to me...I would suggest, at most, 2 pr for a 55, making sure that you have a nice, vertical piece of slate or other appropriate rock at each end of the tank. Med/larger tetras are OK (neons, sometimes even cardinals are occasionally eaten by Angels). I'd avoid Gouramis or have just 1 dwarf if you must have a Gourami.

I would also suggest having several visual breaks between ends of the tank (tall plants, structure etc.).

PS. - if you go w/ Altums instead of P. scalare, or if you go wild caught instead of tank raised, all bets are off, count on modest success w/ just 1 pair if and only if you keep the water super clean and "Amazon-like" (I think that means fairly soft, somewhat low pH - I could be wrong on that).