Think I can fit 2 angels in here?

[Jen]

In my 36g tank right now I have
6 baby rosey barbs
7 platties
3 zebra danios
3 cories
3 ottos

I really want to get some angels, and since my last adult barb has died I'm wondering if I can fit 2 in there.

Thanks

 

[SirMinion]

No.
That tank isn't realy big enough for angels even if there was nothing else in there.

 

[Jen]

Thats the thing... I keep hearing different minimum sizes from so many people.

 

[Tolak]

Is that a 36 bow? One concern with angels is the tank height. 18" is considered minimum for angels, more is better, especially for veils.

Angels are best kept singly, or 4 or more. If you get 2, aggression issues may develop. You seem to have the tank space for 2, you will probably never see any platy fry, as they will get eaten by the angels.

Tolak

 

[Jen]

No its not a bow. 3 feet long, 18 high.

I don't mind if there are no platty fry. I wouldn't mind getting rid of them completely so that i can have some different kinds of fish in there, but these are the first fry I ever had, so I can't get give them away. I love them too much.

 

[parker313]

Ditto to Tolak (the angel expert)

I would get 1 angel for that tank, but not 2 or even 3 and the tank's not big enough for more than 3. Tolak gave you the reason for not having 2 and the reason for not having 3 is that if 2 pair off, the other one will get picked on for sure!

 

[Jen]

Are they ok alone? I always feel bad when I leave a fish with out any mates.

 

[weswest]

I have heard of people keeping angels alone before without problems. I don't think they need to be around other angels, howver that may depend on the type.

 

[parker313]

Yup, they can do just fine on their own I have just one angel in my tank and he LOVES being the KING

 

[gaya]

No.
That tank isn't realy big enough for angels even if there was nothing else in there.

why is that? are you thinking of the height or needed space? I've always heard that angels need 10-15g each with a tank that's at least 18" tall.

I'm the same way about keeping fish without mates. I feel bad for them. I have a pair in a 30g (now i'm starting to wonder if that will be big enough for them) and an angel by himself in a 30g and he doesn't seem as active as my pair. Though i guess they have more to do since they're always spawing.

 

[parker313]

No.
That tank isn't realy big enough for angels even if there was nothing else in there.

why is that? are you thinking of the height or needed space? I've always heard that angels need 10-15g each with a tank that's at least 18" tall.

That's what all of my research has shown as well.

 

[Tolak]

10 gallons per angel & 18' of water depth is what most people agree is needed for fully grown show specimins. Many breeders will use 20 talls for pairs, they measure 16" to 17" tall. That is kind of snug for veils, standard fin angels do ok in them.

If you want to to get 4 or even 5 smaller angels, let them grow out & find the compatable 2, maybe even a pair, that would work out. Angels tend to pair off before fully grown, usually by the time they hit 1 year old. They still have some growing to do, and I don't know of any lfs by me that won't take large size angels for cash or credit. You could make a nice profit doing this. Unpaired angels are nice, a mated pair is a beautiful thing.

Tolak

 

[Jen]

If you want to to get 4 or even 5 smaller angels, let them grow out & find the compatable 2, maybe even a pair, that would work out.

I hear (or read that is) you are an Angelfish expert around here Tolak... You really think 1 can keep 1 in there? Or maybe even 2 and not replace anymore fish. I have lots of swimming room, and a good number of plants/hiding spaces. I wouldn't want to do anything to put him or any of my other fish in jeopardy.

 

[dwarf-puffers]

every1 will disagree with me but i would try it make sure u get 2 small ones even so they dont think there the king or queens of the tank cause theyll grow fast!

 

[Tolak]

Your tank is the same as a 55, except 3 feet long, not 4 feet. I have a 55 with 5 adult koi angels, 2 adult golds, 1 adult silver, and around 15 quarter to half dollar size golds, silvers, & koi, plus a couple of plecs. Had a couple of adult marbles in there, they went to a friend a month ago. Koi are future breeders, the rest are for sale, I like to bring these to club auctions for my buddies.

2 Eheim canisters, an old AC 200, and a home made 230 g.p.h. filter, along with 50% weekly water changes make this work.

Seeing as your tank is 3/4 the size of a 55, 1 or 2 adults will be fine, tank space wise. You just need to worry about compatability. The marbles I got rid of were a pair that didn't produce strong spawns, but would tear the hell out of other angels in a tank. That is why they were in the 55, to spread the aggression. Previously they were in a 65 with 2 adult silvers, 3 adult zebras, and 1 black. They tore up the black so bad, I thought I was going to lose him/her. After a month with some meds & lots of water changes, the black is looking good.

Angels are cichlids, despite their delicate looks. Each has their own personality, and some are more compatable with other angels than others. Seeing as tank space is not your problem, but compatability is, I would go with 4 or 5 smaller ones, trading in some as they get larger.

Tolak