Angelfish

[wuggbhoy]

I recently added 2 angels to my tank but every so often they go to the top as if theyre trying to get air by breaking the surface or chasing the bubbles is this normal behaviour apart from this they act normal and are feeding fine

 

[WILDER]

Size of tank in gallons or litres?
How many fish and which type?
Water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph?
How long has the tank been set up?

Are the fish gasping at surface of tank?

 

[wuggbhoy]

Tanks 64 litre had it set up for a week or so, dont know the ph levels etc pet shop tested the water said it would be fine, its got the 2 angels 2kissing gouramis and a plec

No they dont seem to be gasping looks like theyre takin a breath or looking for food

 

[WILDER]

What type of plec is it?

None of the fish you keep should be in 64 litre.

A pair of angels need at least a 20 gallon tank.
Gouramis also need 20 gallon tank.

Immediate water change.
Increase aeration.

 

[wuggbhoy]

I was told the fish grow to a size the tank allows maybe i was mis informed, ill get on the case asap. So i take it this definately isnt normal behaviour it isnt happening constantly just every so often but they seem fine?? Cheers

 

[WILDER]

Best piece of advice I can offer is that you do your own research.
Not all LFS tell you the truth, or have the knowledge.
There are some good LFS.
I learned the hobby by reading books, and going onto the internet.

 

[Tuxyu3]

As previously stated the fish in your tank are very unsuitable and angels will need 20 gallons (at least). I'm sorry to say that the kissing gourami's will usually need around 50+ gallons in the long term and depending on the type of plec, that to may get to large for your tank. As said do an immediate large (50+% at least) water change and make sure there is a lot of aeration (things such as bubblers or filters can be used) so the surface of the water is not still and is instead being broken or rippled, this ensures there is enough oxygen for the fish to breath. Fish will become 'stunted' if you put them in a tank to small, they will stay small but will not be healthy and may become deformed or develop growths and other such nasty things.
Have you cycled the tank? if you have not or have no idea what i am talking about click here for some basic info.
I would advise you to at the very least return the kissing gouramis because not only is the tank to small but there is a good chance they will not work with the angels, they occasionally suck the slime coat of other fish and things like that. Angels may be aggressive to each other and other fish when they mature, you should ideally, rehome or return them if you are are planning to get a bigger tank..You may even want to think about taking them all back so you can start from scratch and choose more appropriate fish, of course by doing research.

I know this must all sound awful to you but please do not give it all up, many people have made these mistakes and gone on to own great tanks. You should take this with a pinch of salt and chalk it up to experience.

Oh and before i forget, To the forums