Good Angelfish Roomates? (And Ect)

[bloodyeagle4]

Hey everyone,
First and foremost I am fairly new to this whole aquarium business, but i do love it. I currently have a 25 gallon freshwater and unfortunately had my first encounter with ich...luckly I figured that out before it got to ALL of my fish. Right now i am left with my two black angelfish and the tank seems fairly empty. I was wondering about which fish would go well with my angelfish (hoping for a colorful or active or both type of aquarium). 
Also i know a few people who have planted aquariums and that looks way better than the fake plants i have now and was wondering about how hard it is to set up a planted aquarium. 
Lastly if there are any neat or nice tips and tricks that are useful for freshwater aquariums I would love to hear them!
 
Trying to learn everything there is to know but as always there is lots to learn
 
Thanks!

 

[Noahsfish]

setting up a planted aquarium is very easy, that is if you choose the right plants.  To start a planted aquarium some easy plants are crypts, anubias, java fern, java moss, water wisteria, amazon swords, moss balls, and baby tears (not dwarf).  Some good tank mates for angels would be harlequin rasboras, the angels shouldn't bother them unless they're very small.  Opaline gouramis are awesome and I think they'd get along, or other species of gouramis..Large cardinal tetras from Liveaquaria or if your lfs has large ones those COULD be an option.  

 

[Zante]

I agree, with Noahsfish regarding the plants, just check their light requirements and whether they need co2 before you buy and you should be fine.
 
As for tankmates, the first ones I would consider are rummynose tetras. They school very nicely, they are active and quite colourful. They also have the advantage of being large enough not to become an angel snack.
 
the second ones I would consider are rummynoses again. (I just like them that much )
 
after the rummynoses I would go for cardinal tetras. They look a bit like neons, but they grow larger, a bit like the rummynoses, and won't get eaten by the angels.

 

[bloodyeagle4]

Thanks guys! I'll definitely have to look into planting my aquarium!

 

[frapadoodle]

Cories, hatchets, otos, rams, all work well with angels.
Plants are easy, look great, and your fish will be more at ease.
Just remember with angels, if it fits in thier mouth, it's lunch.

 

[Zante]

I'd avoid other cichlids in 25 gallons with a pair of large angels. There could be a bit of shoving. Not necessarily, mind you, but with so many non-cichlid options no point in risking.

 

[frapadoodle]

Right, should have been paying attention.
25 is on the wee side for more than one type of cichlid.