mlinden84

I've got this idea to do a beach theme for a tank, with sand and all, and I was told that angels would be ok with the sand substrate. Can anyone confirm/deny this? I've got a 20 gallon high tank. I leaning towards 1 or 2 tops. Are they ok in a tank with otos? (if not I'll just have them in there by themselves) If anyone has any info on how to set up the tank (do I need lots of plants, more info on angels, etc) I would greatly appreciate it. I've never kept Angels before.

Jacko

A beach theme would be fine, but they do prefer plants and soft water conditions. Unless the otocincus are not well fed you can keep them in there with angels. In time however the angels will need a larger tank as they can get 6 inches and a tall can't support this. Go with one angel and some dither fish and otos or 2 angelfish and a few otos, this is because angels can be overly aggressive especially when they are spawning.

Gunnie

The sand bottom is just fine for angels, and I agree that I would not put more than 2 in your tank. Don't worry too much about the ph unless yours is super high. My water is hard and the ph is at least 7.6, and my angels do just fine. It's a different story though if the angels you purchase are wilds caught. Since you are just starting out with angels, I would recommend getting angels bred in captivity. The otos would be great for your tank along with a good bit of live plants. Cory cats would also love the sand bottom, and will add lots of activity to your tank.

Isabella

I agree with all of the above comments - I wouldn't keep more than 2 Angels in a 20 gallon tank either. If you haven't bought the 20 gallon tank yet, would you be willing to consider changing that number to at least 30? I think a 20 gallon tank is too small for Angelfish ... but in the end, it's up to you of course. I think they would be much happier in a 30 gallon tank. And you'd have more space there for a school of Otos (Otos like to be in groups). As for the sand ... I don't think it's a problem, as long as it is neutral (doesn't affect your pH). And yes, Angelfish like live plants very much

mlinden84

I already had the 20 gallon high tank. I ended up putting the sand in it and putting in my panda cory cats, my otos, and my guppies. They love the sand! It's so easy to clean too. Thanks to everyone on the great advice!

Isabella

I'm glad everything has worked out well for you

mlinden84

Thanks! It could have been a disaster if I didn't have everyone on this forum's great advice! My fish are much happier/healthier now that I've found this site and have read all the great info.

-Michelle

TheEssigs

I just recently got the angel bug too. I now have 2, and sadly the third that I rescued from the lfs a few days ago didnt make it... I found her this am. But I have this info on angels that I found helpfull...

Angelfish can be kept in a community setting, as long as their tankmates are not overly aggressive or habitual fin nippers. Fast-swimming fishes may also make angelfish nervous and may outcompete them for food. Gouramis make ideal tankmates, but small tetras like neons should not be housed with angelfish unless they are intended as food.
They are particularly sensitive to poor water quality, so efficient filtration (a hang-on-the-back power filter coupled with a sponge filter is ideal), along with 30-percent biweekly water changes are a must. They prefer water that is soft and slightly acidic (pH 5.8 to 6.2). They are shy cichlids that should be provided with adequate cover in their tanks. Plants, live or artificial, can be included on the sides and back of the tank as long as there is ample swimming room in the center of the aquarium, and a layer of floating plants will provide them with an extra sense of security. Angelfish are not particularly difficult to feed. They will accept a wide variety of commercial flake and freeze-dried foods. Supplement their diets with small live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp and Daphnia. Although meaty foods make up the bulk of their diets, they should also be provided with some vegetable material ? parboiled romaine lettuce, zucchini and peas or foods that contain Spirulina. Angelfish are relatively easy to breed in the home aquarium. Because there are no recognizable differences between the sexes your best bet is to purchase a group of three to six individuals and let them pair up. No more than one pair should be housed in a 20- to 30-gallon high aquarium. They spawn on any vertical site or plant leaf.

Good luck!