amich062004

I am hoping that I can get some help. I just purchased a 30 gallon (tall) fish tank, a Fluval 305 canister filter, gravel, a visi therm 200W Stealth heater, biospira, and water testing supplies. I am VERY INTERESTED in having an angelfish aquarium, but I know that they are fragile, and I want to make sure I do this correctly. So I am coming on here for guidance.

I have read all about cycling my water, and was told that I can start the bio cycle with Tiger Barbs. I was told that they are a very hardy fish, and will be able to handle the high pH levels until the water levels out. (Is this true?)

I am very interested in doing live plants. I was told that I need alot of plants for the angelfish to feel comfortable. Do you recommend that I start live plants at first, or is that to much to take on all at once?

I have been doing research for about 2 weeks, and I think I am comfortable with the parameters I need my water to be at for the angelfish (6 to 7.5)
I am still unsure about how to deal with the water hardness 5-13.

I realize that I am going to wait A LONG TIME before purchasing my angelfish, to make sure the water is completely cycled. Once I am ready, I need to get one at a time, so the water can aclimate, is that right? Or should I get a few at once so they dont make territories?

I was hoping to have 4 angelfish in the tank. I am aware that once they pair off I will have to split up the pairing couple, so I am getting a 2nd 30 gallon tank, so when its all said and done i will have 2 30 gallon tanks with 2 angels in each, if it works out the way I hope.

What other fish would you recommend for this type of tank? Also, the research I have read says that koi angelfish are the most peaceful. Where can I find kois? I dont want to buy them over the internet.

Any other information that you can offer me, to help me on this exciting endeavor would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Thank you soooo much for the information on this site. It has been a wealth of knowledge, and has made me comfortable enough to take this challenge that I would have never tried before.

susitna-flower

Hi Amich, WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

If you got bio-spira, did you already set up your tank? The bio-spira has to be refrigerated until put in the warmed tank water, then you need to have fish also. The bio-spira will only work if fish waste is going in to feed the bacteria. These don't have to be your angels, as a matter of fact I would wait on the angels for up to 6 months until your tank is completely settled.

Don't mess with the ph, or hardness. Most fish can adapt to your water, if you acclimate them very slowly. My best suggestion for angels, is a drip acclimation system, or in the very least take 2 to 3 hours adding 1/4 cup at a time of tank water in with the fish you are floating in a container from the store. After most of the water is tank water, net the fish out and place in a dark tank, and do not feed for the first 12-24 hours.

Corys are a good tank mate for angels, unless they are breeding, if your angels do pair, you should move other fish out of the breeding tank. Good Luck, and I hope others that know more than I do on angels will answer you also.

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.

Do you have a local fish club? I think those are the best way to find fish - and local breeders who care about their fish.