Iron waffle

... an angelfish for a beginner? Are they reistant to disease? I might look into getting one in the future.

john&jen

My two have been incredibly hearty. Since you said beginner... I wouldn't recommend them for any tank smaller than a 29.

john&jen

They get large and are territorial. I have two in a 75 and they took over a quarter of the tank, even with no eggs present.

Shaina

Provided you are willing to do adequate water changes, have a big enough tank, and get only compatible tankmates, I see no reason you should avoid angelfish regardless of your experience level.

However, before you get any fish you should educate yourself about the nitrogen cycle, tank upkeep, and that sort of thing.

Iron waffle

Ok then, I always wanted an angel, but they're either too expensive or in bad condition. How much space does a single angel require?(how territorial are they?)

john&jen

Give them about 10 gallons each. I say about because they usually grow to about 8 inches, which puts you at a 16 gallon tank and I feel anything less than 29 would not have swimming space. Good call about the nitrogen cycle. Are you familiar? As far as territory, I can't answer that, but mine keep the other fish away. I have a 75 gallon tank, which is 48" long and they keep about 8" to themselves. That's front to back and top to bottom. At feeding time they mingle quite well with their tankmates.

Iron waffle

Yes, I want an angel but i have been reluctant to get them because of reasons mentioned and that they would eat my tetras. Perhaps I should wait?

Alasse

I have 7 in a 90gal with other fish and while they may chase each other on occassion, the chase is short lived and not overly nasty. Angels can reach 13inches, so make sure you get a tallish type tank so they are confortable Angels will eat small fish if they can get them in thier mouth, so tetras as tankmates are generally not considered a good choice

They are a wonderful fish & easy to care for (in my experience). I see no reason a beginner cannot keep them.

Nicolas Rodriguez

I have 3 angels in my tank, as well as 4 zebra danios and they do fine but for first fish you might want to try something cheaper like for instance zebra danios that run for about a dollar each, if you get a school they are very pretty as well as very hardy, also if your getting an angel id reccomend blackwater extract

Butterfly

Angelfish are one of the easiest fish I have ever had. If you keep up your water changes, gravel vacs and feed a good grade of food they will even breed for you
Carol

COBettaCouple

I love our angels and they are mostly easy to keep. They're very fun fish and love to beg for food. If you get them, I'd get at least a 30g tank for them (our pair has a 30g and 4 albino lfbn plecos for tankmates).

I would look for a big cave with large openings (we have a picture of the one we have in our tanks thread), a nice big piece of slate and would stock Fish Protector and Garlic Guard for whenever they get fin damage.

DarkRevoultions

Gilbert,

Please do not believe what some people say about the angels getting big..

It takes about 6 months to 1 year for them to get huge.

I wouldn't recommend angels for beginners, because they are extremely delicate, and they can die easily if you keep the temperature fluctuating all the time.

Also, they can die easily if they are not fed well, or fed too much..

Nicolas Rodriguez

Yes thats true that it takes time for angels grow, but the point is there still going to grow, and depending on his tank size possiably outgrow his tank.

COBettaCouple

Plus having more room will encourage growth.

Iron waffle

I'm planning on getting a 30 tall in the near future, I'll be checking those ads to see what they have for me Is it true they're aggresive?

COBettaCouple

It depends on personality really. Some are pretty aggressive, while others are very easy going and get along with the other fish.

Markm0723

The only angel I would not suggest for a beginner is the Black Angel. They tend to be more delicate than the other color varieties.

Mark

Iron waffle

are marbled angels ok for a 30 tall? Would some variations grow bigger than others?

Markm0723

Marbled Angels should be fine. All of the color morphs are the same species Pterophyllum scalare so all grow to pretty much the same size.

Mark

You may need to plan on eventually getting a larger tank. If I'm correct a 30-Tall is only 24" long, and that would be a pretty small "foot print" for more than one adult angel.

Mark

COBettaCouple

They should be fine.