Angelfish Dilemma

[FishSticks]

Hello, I have a bit of a problem with some angelfish I was given. I recently asked somone if I could have one of their Angelfish because I thought it would make a good center piece for my 10 gallon aquarium along with my 2 Dwarf Gouramis. There's also a snack (a.k.a 1 neon tetra) I had added a while back for my expected guess.

Well... two days ago when I had someone pick up my one angelfish and put it in my aquarium, I came home to find 12 little Angelfish swimming in my tank! I gave away the 6 largest ones to a friend. How long will it take for these angelfish to outgrow my 10 gallon aquarium? They are all smaller than a nickel at the moment.

 

[modernhamlet]

Angelfish require far bigger than a 10g, even only one angel shouldn't be housed in anything smaller (or shorter) than a 29g tank.

My understanding is that they grow pretty quickly. Each should go from nickel sized to silver dollar sized in the next 8 months or so. By then, the 10g will not be close to enough. Frankly, I don't think it is even now.

If you plan to keep all 6 angels, I would suggest getting a 55g tank in the next 4-6 months.

 

[FishSticks]

Yes, I realize that 10 gallons isn't big enough for 6 Angelfish, thanks for replying. I'm sure I'm going to get a 55 Gallon Aquarium for Christmas, since I have been begging for one since this summer So that's 23 days plus 30 more for cycling the aquarium. You really think they have a chance of living if I take exceptional care of my 10-gallon tank for the next month or 2?

P.S/ There's currently no more than 9-10" of fish in my aquarium. I'm not as cruel as this makes me sound

 

[Cali]

Yes, I realize that 10 gallons isn't big enough for 6 Angelfish, thanks for replying. I'm sure I'm going to get a 55 Gallon Aquarium for Christmas, since I have been begging for one since this summer So that's 23 days plus 30 more for cycling the aquarium. You really think they have a chance of living if I take exceptional care of my 10-gallon tank for the next month or 2?

P.S/ There's currently no more than 9-10" of fish in my aquarium. I'm not as cruel as this makes me sound

Some people keep angelfish fry in 10 gallon aqariums for a while until they grow some. But, that is a 10 gallon tank without any other occupants.

IMO (for what it's worth), I think you could keep a few of those angel babies in that 10 gallon for a short bit of time IF you get rid of the other occupants.



All the best!

 

[sylvia]

If you are so certain you're getting the 55 gallon - just wait until then to get the angels. That way you won't be in a hurry to set it up and cycle. The fish won't get stressed from the extra move and everyone will be happier and healthier for it.

Gives those you've been given away for now. It's for the best. Both for you and especialy for your fish.

Remember - patience is a virtue.

 

[Tolak]

If you keep up on water changes, we're talking 50% twice a week, you should be fine with angels that size for a month or 2, along with the other fish, as long as the tank has been running and cycled for a couple of months. Smaller angels do like each others company, and don't mind being crowded a bit when younger. Young angel fry will "flock" together when you turn down the lights in a larger tank.

The 10 gallon per fish, 18" minimum tank height rule applies to fully grown show specimens. I have a 20 tall with around 40 nickel to dime size golds in it at the moment, most of which are going to a couple of lfs tomorrow. You can get by with overstocking to some extent IF you are fanatical about water changes. Here's a chart that most people follow for stocking rates of angels, don't remember which site I copied this off of, I've seen it on several.

Nickel size bodies 1 angelfish per gallon
Quarter size bodies 1 angelfish per 2 gallons
Silver dollar size bodies 1 angelfish per 3 gallons
Stock ready to be paired 1 angelfish per 5 gallons
Full grown breeding pair 20 gallon tall


Tolak

 

[FishSticks]

IMO (for what it's worth), I think you could keep a few of those angel babies in that 10 gallon for a short bit of time IF you get rid of the other occupants.

I will get rid of the two Dwarf Gouramis and the one Neon Tetra

You can get by with overstocking to some extent IF you are fanatical about water changes..

I do 20% water changes every 4 days along with gravel vacuuming. I don't know if that's considered fanatical? Well I will follow a little bit of everyone’s advice and we'll soon see if they'll live happily ever after in my 55 gallon aquarium which I WILL be getting this Christmas...OR ELSE! Someone might get hurt!

 

[gaya]

If at all possible maybe you could p/u an extra filter for your 55g and throw it on your 10g in the mean time. This way maybe a bit of beneficial bacteria will develop on it so cycling time could be shorter.
good luck and i hope you get your christmas wish!

 

[FishSticks]

Guess what I got for Christmas! A 29 Gallon Aquarium I can keep all 6 of my angelfish in there, right? It only brakes the 1" of fish per gallon rule by 7 inches

I also have some bad news, and I need some more help. About a week ago, since I was so sure I would get a bigger aquarium for x-mas, I bought a little 2" pleco from PetCo, but I didn't realize it came with ick This morning I noticed it was starting to grow on my Angels I don't know what the best medication for Angefish is? Could someone give me some suggestions.

PS/ My town only has a PetCo & Petland. Just make sure I can find the med. there plz.

 

[Cali]

Ah man... I'm sorry about the illness. NEVER put fish in your tank if those new fish have not been QT'd by you for at least 3 weeks. I've never had ich, but I understand high temps and frequent water changes and salt are a good treatment.


Please check with an expert, though, because I am not positive...


Also, adult angelfish need about 10 gallons each. So, once your angelbabies are grown, you'll only be able to keep 3 of them in that 29, IMO.

 

[fufanu360]

yeah, six in a 29 is way overstocked, are u having trouble understanding or somthing?

 

[Sean_Buckley]

are u having trouble understanding or somthing?

Ok...that was unprovoked...But seriously, fully grown angelfish need about 10 gallons per fish, and if you have a breeding pair, its advisable to have them as the only angelfish in the tank.
Sean

 

[FishSticks]

Nevermind, I don't think my Angelfish are going to make it. Oh, and sorry did I say 29 I meant 55 gallon aquarium... Although I did learn from my mistake and from now on I will use the 10 gallon aquarium as a Quarantine Tank.

 

[Cali]

Nevermind, I don't think my Angelfish are going to make it. Oh, and sorry did I say 29 I meant 55 gallon aquarium... Although I did learn from my mistake and from now on I will use the 10 gallon aquarium as a Quarantine Tank.

I'm so sorry about your sick babies...but, I'm glad your tank is a 55 gallon.

Well, the bright side is you know for the next time (QT) and you will be able to take good care of your angelfish from now on.


All the best to you! I really do hope your current babies pull through. Were you able to find out any good cures for Ich? It's fairly common and I know someone should be able to help you find a cure for your babies.

 

[FishSticks]

No, I haven't found a good cure. I have these fizzing tablets called Jungle Ick remover or something like that but last time I tried those it killed all my fish, I think my aquarium is too small for the tablets...One more question, is it true that once a fish gets Ick and survives they are immune to the disease?