2 Angels

[Guth]

hi guys, ive had an angelfish for a while, just went to the store and bought another, left the bag floating for about half our, let the fish out and the old angel keeps ramming into the side of the new one whilst the new one sits there and takes it

is this normal because he is jealous or something, will they be ok to leave in the same tank?

 

[Tolak]

What size tank are we talking here? Angels, being cichlids, can get territorial, this sounds like the issue you are having. What you can do is remove the original angel, keeping it in a bucket for an hour or so is fine. Rearrange the decorations in the tank, this will remove the old territories. Let the new fish settle in for a bit, then add the older one.

 

[Guth]

its a 50l

thanks il try this

 

[Tolak]

A 50l is really tight quarters for two angels, you have to be concerned with the water depth more than anything. A 20 gallon with a water depth of 16" is considered minimum, though some keep smaller pairs in 15 highs. This is the angels only, no substrate or tankmates.

With a shallower tank you have to watch the ventrals, if these drag on the bottom you are asking for a bacterial problem.

 

[waterdrop]

My son and I have been dreaming of a pair of angels in a 28G bowfront high, with maybe some small tetras and corys. Thoughts Tolak?

 

[LolaLouie]

Sorry I know you asked for Tolaks advice but couldn't help but mention small tetras and Angels do not go! Angels eat small tetras as their natural food in the wild. You can just about get away with fully grown large neons and Angels which have grown up with them but many don't recommend this.

As for 2 Angels in a 28 gallon... i would say definitely no, angels grow pretty big and if you want happy fish i would not squash 2 large reasonably territorial cichlids in such a small tank.

Maybe invest in a larger tank and then you can have your dream of 2 angels!

 

[Tolak]

I often keep breeding pairs in a 20 or 29, along with a few corys or bristlenose plec to help with cleanup. Don't go too deep with any substrate if you use it, plenty of filtration & water changes, and they will do fine.

As mentioned, I would watch the size on the smaller tetras, they will become food. I've kept platys with angels in the past, nice color contrast, as well as no worry about being overrun with fry.

 

[olly1]

Hi just wanted to agree with the two posts before! Be carefull with angels and small tanks! I had to drastically upsize when i didnt realise how large they could grow! It cost be alot but atleast the fish are living! Large angels can also get very territorial with other fish, so small tank with tetras also is a very bad idea! Try maybe a larger tank and you should be fine but angels prefer latger tankmates! Cat fish are usually quite well sutied with them. olly