tkfury

I finally made it out and bought my tank, its on the small size but it didn't dawn on me until recently that a tank doesn't really do me any good unless I have some way to get it home. I believe its a 22g (it only says 22+ cube), 16x16x20.

I'm holding off on buying anything else until I know exactly what I'd like to have so I can get the right plants and equipment and get everything set up. I know that is still probably on the little side for angelfish but is there any possible way that it'll be big enough (and tall enough) for two angelfish to live comfortably? I don't really care for the idea of only having one and I'm near certain anymore than two would asking too much.

Other than angelfish I was thinking of looking into a Dwarf Gourami or two (depending on how much space there is) but I know I'd also like to have some sort of catfish - I'm rather fond of the idea of Ottos but I'm not sure if they are a little small to be in the same tank (everything I've read says angelfish and Dwarf Gourami are rather peaceful if kept with other peaceful tankmates) of if they'd do well in only a group of 2-3. I know I'd be perfectly happy with two angelfish, two Dwarf Gourami and two Ottos (or two angels, 1 Dwarf Gourami and three Ottos) but if they aren't going to make good tankmates or be able to live stress free its not really worth it. (After the tank is set up and ready for the fish I'll probably be sticking with the angelfish for a few months before making any additions.) All this is assuming the adult sizes I've found are correct, 5-6inches per angelfish, 2.5-3inches per Dwarf Gourami and 2inches per Otto.

Sorry to have to ask. I enjoy looking things up but sometimes its just best to hear from those who have the first hand experience. If all the little fishes will live together I plan to take it one step at a time, a few months in between each addition. I just want to make sure I do everything I can to make their tank feel like "home" (regardless of what fish I can get I do plan on having live plants and bogwood? - still looking around at the substrate, I like the idea of sand and river rocks but one step at a time heh). I know I'm asking a lot and I'm probably getting my hopes a little high but all the same. I'd appreciate any and all suggestions/advice.

(I figured since I'd like to have angels as my "main" fish this would be the best spot to ask. If anyone has other suggestions for angel fishmates I'd love the hear them.)

Chief_waterchanger

The tank being a 22g should have no more than 1 angelfish.

I wouldn't suggest 1 angel, 1 dwarf gourami, 2 ottos. Dwarf gourami do not prefer groups, they are very territorial surface dwellers.

Good luck, and you seem to care a lot and with that caring heart you are sure to do what's right rather than what stuffs the most fish in.

EDIT: Sorry I meant would suggest -or- wouldn't suggest more than. heh

Isabella

Welcome to Fish Lore Raine I can see you've done your research/reading regarding your tank already, which is excellent.

I agree with Chief Waterchanger on the stocking of your 22 gallon tank. While you technically could have 1 Angelfish in a 22 gallon 20" high tank ... I think this tank is still too small for a fish like Angelfish. I personally recommend at least a 30 gallon tank for Angelfish, and 2 Angelfish at most in such a tank. Gouramis and Angelfish are not exactly compatible tankmates as they can both get territorial. I know from personal experience that Angels can get aggressive towards other fish (and even towards their own kind) especially during breeding times. Considering your tank size, I think it would be much better if you got yourself a beautiful pair of Dwarf Gouramis (preferably male and female). A few Otos would be fine in your tank too, as long as it's not overstocked. But since you want only Dwarf Gouramis, it won't be overstocked and you'll have plenty of space for a few Otos.

You certainly can have driftwood and live plants in your tank too. That would be great and it would look beautiful. If you're interested in a low-light planted tank, you should definitely read this: http://www.fishlore.com/Forum/index.php?topic=12673.0. You can buy aquarium-safe driftwood at any fish store. Just remember to soak and boil it well before you put it inside your tank. Otherwise, it will leach tannins and stain your water orange/yellow color as well as it will bring your pH down a lot.

You don't need to wait months between adding each fish to your tank. A few weeks apart is OK. Of course, provided that the tank is cycled first But I'm sure you already know that.

tkfury

I have to say I am a little disappointed. I knew I should of done a little more searching around but I now know what to try and go after next time (but first I needa get a friend who has a larger car heh). For future reference, about how tall should a tank ideally be for angelfish and do they do well in hexagon tanks (most of a curiosity - I know for birds there are some shapes that are rather popular but stress the bird out with all the sides)?

I'll hold off on the angelfish since I'd love to have a pair - and the idea of two tanks is appealing! Thank you both very much ^^ I'll start looking into the dwarf gourami more. I'd like to have a little variety (probably not an easy thing to get with a small tank) so are there any other fish that one or two of them would make good tankmates for dwarf gouramis and ottos or is a 22g still a little small for that?

Oh yes, lowlight plants would be a major plus. The only room with any well, room for a tank doesn't get much sunlight so I'm pretty sure I'll have to get a light timer for the fish anyways. Thank you very much for that infomation, I'll be off to read that thread is just a little bit.

I was a little fizzy on exactly when to add new fish so I assumed a few months would be the safest bet. I'd still like to wait that long just to give plenty of time for any problems to make themselves known, just in case, but I think by the time I get the tank set up and cycled (I've read a little about it - I do plan on making sure I fully understand everything about it before I start filling up the tank) I wont be able to wait much longer.

Thank you both very much - I do appreciate it!