prairielilly

Eventually I will decide how to re-stock my 20g...had a new idea today - a pair of angels, that's it.

Tank is a 20g high (about 12 x 24 x 18) with a canister filter and lots of plastic plants.

Never had angels before, not too sure on some things - I know if they're not a pair they'll hurt each other, but I thought it took some time to figure out if they are a pair. So would it be better to get several juveniles and see if a pair develops then return the others? or try to find an established pair (not sure how I'd do that)? or is my tank just too small for this (I read a minimum of 15g for one pair, and I won't have any other fish).

Thoughts?

Jonah

If I was going to go for Angels that is what I would do as buying a known pair here is so expensive plus you know that you are not buying a 6 or 7 year old fish.

Amanda

I'd start with several juvies. Then return the rest when a pair develops.

mardaver

I kept an Angel species tank for some time...it was beautiful. I would agree with your line of thinking...buy 5 or 6 juveniles and see if you get a pair. A 20g tall would be a perfect size for this.
The only thing I would do is add a few Bushy-nose Plecos or a trio of Corys...I found with my Angels that once the food fell to the bottom, they would often ignore it.
I'd love to see a pic when you've got the tank set-up!

prairielilly

wow thanks for all the quick replies! There's pics of the tank (without any fish) in the link in my sig, please anyone let me know if there's anything in there unsuitable for angels?

So more questions: how long does it take for a pair to emerge (assuming they're about quarter sized when you buy them)? how do you KNOW when a pair has emerged (silly q)? is there a way to tell males from females when they're that young? how many of that size should I start with? the current idea was to use the 5g as a QT, but that would be a little tight with such a tall fish I'm thinking, so if I did four or five really small ones all at once in the 20g would that be too much?

sorry for so many questions...

prairielilly

Another possibility: I know angels will possibly eat neons, what about praecox rainbows (dwarf neon rainbowfish)? say seven of those and ONE angelfish?
(not sure I like the idea of returning any, and can't get a bigger tank)

MissMTS

I have kept Angels with dwarf praecox rainbows and I think that it makes a gorgeous display! That would be my choice and would make a much more peaceful tank

Shawnie

I have 3 pair of angels....2 sets bought as adults and 1 set bought as juvies...none are in a tank together tho..and the way i pick my angels (although im much better now at sexing in the store) is i watch the tank for a good 15-20 mins...angels form bonds from juvies to adults and if you watch that tank for a good amount of time, you can pick 2 that seem inseparable..also, the smaller angels you get, seems harder to keep alive...they are one fish that seems to be super sensitive to different pH's in my experience...its a must to test the bag water you bring them home in and compare it to the ph in your tank...acclimate accordingly...but you can , just get 2, and have great sucess with 2, if its something you really want.....I did want them badly and took the time needed so I wouldnt have to return any or deal with the heartbreak of them passing ..goodluck in whatever you decide!!

ps..that tank is perfect for a pair!

luckbox33

I have had five assorted angels for the last 10 months. I bought 3 one day and two a couple weeks later. I housed these 5 angels, in a 29g tall, that they quickly grew out of. (You have to be prepaired to alot angels at the minumum 10 gallons apiece.) 2 months ago I moved them all into a 35g tall (Suppose to be 55g, but the guy who gave it to me didnt know lol.) Three weeks ago they laid eggs, but were already white when I knoticed. When I came home from work they were gone. Two days ago they tried again without success. I am sure, they are both of oppisete sex. They both seem so parental and will make some amazing fish. I encourage you to find a pair just remember it may take sometime, to find them. Good luck, it is deffinatly worth it, it is amazing!!!!!!