New 25 Gallon Fish Ideas?

[fishnuub33]

Hello, I just received a 25 gallon tropical freshwater aquarium and have been reseaching possible combinations of fish to put into it. I would love to have angelfish(maybe 2 or 3) and a few others..possibly gouramis, an albino rainbow shark, loaches, or hatchets. It seems these are all compatible from what Ive read but am not sure how much I can fit in. From my research it seems that angelfish might need more space than a 25 gallon, and i would like to have at least 2 if possible so they will live happy lives and not be lonely. I'd love your input and any other possible combinations of fish that you think would look nice. I want it to be fairly planted, planning on mixing real and fake plants. Thanks for your help guys, excited to read the responses.

Mike

 

[karin]

Hi there and welcome to the forum.

First thing you need to know is that indeed a 25 gallon is a pretty small tank.

Second, you have picked some semi-aggressive species which means that to keep them together you need a much bigger tank.

I never like to see one angel in anything smaller than a 30 gallon, but if this tank is tall, 18 inches, you could keep one. If it isn't a tall tank, it is not appropriate for angels. Mixing in gourami will be tricky. They are territorial and could fight with an angel, and both can do damage. I would stick to either an angel if it is a tall tank OR a group of honey gourami or a trio of dwarf gourami (1m2f). If you want loaches stick with dwarf chain loach or khuli loach and get six. Loaches can get huge so stick with the species that works with your tank.

I won't comment on sharks but I think this will be a problem as well, aggressive and might need a larger tank.

Hatchets stick to the top and they probably would work. Be aware that they are jumpers and you'll need a good top on the tank with no holes.

You could do a school of tetras but stick with the small ones and go for 6 or more. Flame tetras are my favorite right now.

Hope that wasn't too much of a downer. You can do a fabulous tank but you need to research carefully so that you get fish that work in a small tank.

Good luck

Hi Mike. The following is from a species website. The Albino Rainbow gets too big for your tank. Read below:

Scientific Name : Epalzeorhynchos frenatus
Common Names : Red Fin Shark, Red Shark, Ruby Shark, Albino Rainbow Shark

Care Level : Easy

Size : 6 inches (15 cm)

pH : 6.5 - 7.5

Temperature : 75°F - 80°F (24°C - 27°C)

Lifespan : 5 - 8 years.

Origin / Habitat : Thailand, Indonesia

Temperament / Behavior : This fish can become aggressive with other, smaller fish in your tank that invade its territory. They will fight with the Red Tail Shark. Provide plenty of hiding places (caves, rocks and plants)

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : Because they will fight with other rainbows, breeding them in the home aquarium is rare.

Tank Size : 55 gallon (208 liters)