Angels In Their Own Tank

[coldcazzie]

Im hoping to move my angelfish into a tank either on their own, or with the 2 hoplos they are currently with. What would be the best size? Currently they are in a Juwel Rio 240, which is huge for just the 4 of them.

My options are currently a 2 footer (not sure on height/depth dimensions), or 36(w)x12(d)x15(h).

Would 15 inches of height be alright if I run the tank barebottomed instead of with substrate? They have 16 inches of swimming room in the tank I have (gravel surface to water level) so wouldn't actually be losing that much space...

If the 2 footer turns out to be 15 inches tall would that be alright for just the 2 of them? I think it;s highly unlikely I'll be able to find an 18inch high 2 footer second hand and I don;t have the money to buy a brand new one.

Any thoughts from a more experienced angel keeper?

 

[MewMew42]

I am by no means an experienced angel keeper!

how big are the angels?

the dimensions given lead to a 106 litre tank

personally i think that the 2 footer will be fine for the 4 of them, i probably wouldnt put the hoplos in with them [unless they arent full size]

I would add a small layer or gravel even so though just to add plants to make them feel safer....unless you can get the plants on bogwood combo

 

[Bluetooth]

Im putting my breeding pair of angels in a 90L tank, its perfect as its nice and deep and high also, its a juwel rekord 90 which is around 12" deep and 18" tall so plenty of room to move.

With angels its not really length that matters its height and depth. With 4 angels id go with something above 120L though just so theres ample room for them to breathe.

 

[Wills]

That reckford sounds ideal for them I think if you cant get one. But regardless of that I've read your other posts and I think that in your position you have to put your self and the baby before the fish, I would put a thin spattering of sand in the 3ft tank and put them in there for now 15 inches is going to be okay the reason people say 18 is because the fish get to around 6+ inches tall but right now I think adults are going to be okay in a 15 inch tall at least until the baby is here and a few months old and you have a bit of time. Then it frees up your big tank for your schools

Hope everything goes okay with the birth

Wills

 

[Tolak]

As long as you go with standard fin angels & a bare bottom you should be ok. If you do opt for a sunbstrate a thin layer of some small smooth gravel would be best. The biggest problem with tank depth & standard fin angels would be the ventrals, these will tend to hit the bottom a little more. Having a less abrasive substrate, and keeping it clean will avoid problems, a thin layer will have no serious affect on the depth.

Sorry it took me a bit to get to this, been a bit busy with tech issues here. Good luck with the upcoming birth, you know we are expecting pictures!

 

[coldcazzie]

Thanks all

Sorry I was unclear before, there's only 2 angels - a m/f pair, and then 2 hoplos - also a m/f pair, making 4 fish in total, hence the comment about the 4 footer being huge for just the 4 of them! The angels are probs about 5.5-6 inches from tip-tip of fins, I know they can get bigger but I've had them 18months now and they haven't grown so I think they are at their limits and they aren't veiltails or anything. The hoplos are also near as full grown too - male is 6inch, female is 4.5ish.

I was actually hoping to partition my 4footer for the moment (seems the most sensible option!), and doing fishless cycles on the 2 and 3 footers when I get them and have built a stand for them (going to be at least a month for that all to happen, maybe even more, then a couple of months for the cycling) so we're not talking an immediate move. It was more wondering whether I could move them into either of the tanks I know I will be getting, or whether I'd have to hunt for one specifically for them.

I shall check on the height of the 2 footer...and I think I'll put a half inch of gravel in the bottom (cuz I already have gravel so no extra expense!) and see how that does.

And don't worry - there will be plenty of piccies when it comes to it! Both of the baby, and of the stand/tanks!