75 Gallong Angelfish Tank

[Botch]

I just got transferred to Florida and am starting my tank up again.  I cycled the tank with SafeStart and Peppered Corys.  I know many people frown on using fish to cycle tanks.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any medium to use.  That being said, it's been three weeks and the fish are thriving and the water is absolutely perfect.  I have 6 peppered Cory's, 2 male swordtails and 4 female swordtails currently.  I run a tetra whisper ex70 and a fluval fx5 for filtration.  I use zeo-carb, lots of bio-max, and pre-filter in addition to the foam blocks.  I use plastic plants...because I tend to just kill live ones.  I plant heavily as well as adding some driftwood and pots for hiding places.  I usually do cichlids and love oscars, but decided to go with a more peaceful community.  Here's my plan after several weeks of research on compatability:
 
2 Smokey Leopard Veiled Angelfish
2 Black Angelfish
3 Male Swordtails
6 Female Swordtails
1 Red Tailed Shark
1 Bolivian Ram
7 Peppered Corys
2-4 Mystery snails
 
I'm sure there's a lot of folks that dislike the RTS.  But I've had great success with them and love their personalities.
 
In addition my wife and I both keep a betta in each of our 2.5 gallon tanks.  We've had them for years.
 
Any thoughts or ideas on different species?  I'll see about pictures when we unpack the camera.

 

[CrimsonBoli]

Just a side note, to make you feel better... Angelfish are a type of Cichlid

 

[greenmumma141]

I'll be following this and yes, pics would be lovely!

 

[Botch]

CrimsonBoli, you are correct. Lol. I should have been more specific and written that with the exception of Oscars, I've primarily been a South African cichlid person. Particularly Mbunas...love me some hornet/bumblebee cichlids.

 

[Botch]

The swordfish started spawning fry...sadly they will probably be eaten as I added angelfish today.  I ordered 4 and was given 1 extra for free, which was a welcome surprises.  Letting them get adjusted to the new tank slowly.  I also received a shipment of nerite snails...definitely got more snails than I was anticipating, lol.  Just have to add the RTS in a week.  I'll take pics once I get the lights back on after the angels have their adjusting time.

 

[SimpleDog]

Its advisable to up the group of angels to 6. If they are not mated pairs there are chances they would fight in groups smaller than 6. At least that is what I read from others on the site

 

[Botch]

I took that into account and made sure that there are plenty of sight break ups and areas each can claim.  I only ordered 4 but since I got one for free, I'm thinking of adding one more to make it an even six...the odd number annoys me a little.  The female swords are dying after they spawn.  I've only had one live.  If they all die off, I'll probably rehome the mails and try Rosy Tetras.  Going to attempt to upload some pics.  So far the angels are doing great.  They are very active.  They travel in a group.  The Bolivian Ram follows them around trying to fit in.  I added some horned spiral nerite snails.  They're very active and a lot of fun to watch.

 

[Botch]

Tried to post pictures, but apparently I can't use Flickr on this Forum. 

 

[Ninjouzata]

I havn't used Flickr so not sure if this site really doesn't let you use it or if you missed some sort of step and it didn't work. Not implying you don't know what you're doing, I'm just unsure 

I do know that photobucket works, if you'd like to upload your pictures to there and then link them here.

 

[Botch]

Based on the error message, I'd say it's an issue with Flickr and the site.  I have issues with photobucket. lol.  Oh well.  Just means it wasn't meant to be.  I've got another female swordtail ready to spawn...so I'm trying to ensure the tank parameters are pristine...my quarantine tank is currently occupied by the Red Tailed Shark...so that's not a viable option for spawning.  I've got quite a few fry swimming around though.  They tend to survive whereas the mother doesn't. 

 

[greenmumma141]

I've always read that it's best to keep angels in odd numbers, but its up to you of course.
 
Not meant to be? so........no....pics?!

 

[Botch]

Group size is dependnent on if you intent to breed them.  They say 6 so that you up your odds of getting a mating pair.  I only intended to get the original 4...but I'm not about to turn down a quality fish for free.  lol.  I'm still working the photo issue.

 

[Botch]

 

[Ninjouzata]

Colorful tank!
One of your angels is wearing lipstick

 

[Botch]

Lol.  That's what my daughter said.  That's the golden marbled one.  I tried to get his other side so that you can see the marbling pattern.  The pure gold and pure silver are still growing into their colors.  Yeah, some folks like natural plants...my wife likes the bright colors.  Since she's nice enough to put up with my spending on fish...I figure she gets to vote on decor.  The nerite snails are amazing.  Those guys have been eating up all the debris on the bottom and roaming like crazy.