Live Wire

Hello,

I have a mature 29g (18in tall) tank with one danio in it. The tank is fully cycled with ammonia and Nitrites at 0ppm, Nitrates somewhere between 0 and 5ppm, pH is 8.0. All tests conducted with API testing kit (liquid, not strips).

I want to stock the tank with two koi Angels and two dwarf Gouramis. Both peaceful breeds, but I want to make sure the general opinion is that this does not fall under the overstocked category. I know I am under the 1in per gallon, but I also understand that is only a general reference and not the rule. I've read that Angels will get somewhere in the 6" range, but is that including the fins or is that body mass alone?

I know my pH is a little high, but the Angels are bred locally in the same municiple water so I am hoping I'll have sucess.

Thanks in advance!

CHoffman

Hi Live Wire
Welcome to fishlore!! I probably wouldn't' stock the gouramis and angels together..I think you'd have some aggression issues especially if either pair off...I woudl go with one or the other..If you could get two Angels to pair off they could do great in a 29gallon. Then you could also put a larger schooling fish in there too..Wait around to see what other people say though..Welcome to fishlore though..You'll have to post some pics of your tank.

agabr123

hi and welcome to fishlore

i probably wouldn't put two angels and two dwarf gouramis in your tank, while they are generally peaceful (well...for the most part), in a 29 IMO it would be crowded (not in terms of bioload but in terms of swimming space) with the two angels and the DGs. you could definitely fit in a pair of angels with a bottom dweller (bristlenose or clown pleco, otos, cories, something like that), but IMO it would be a bit risky having two angels and two gouramis together in a 29

Lol, got me Cesch

CHoffman

LOL..Great minds think alike!!.lol..But Alex is right a Bristlenose would go great too!! you could have a very nice little setup going on. I prefer Angels over Gourami's..Don't know why..Just personal preference..But choose the ones you want most and go from there.

ThisGuy

I have kept them as juve's in the same tank but as they get bigger its safer to break them up. I read on monster fish keepers they go by the 1 square inch per gallon. For some reason monsters not working so take a look at this one

cheers


Ryan

One Inch Per Gallon Rule?

Live Wire

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I liked the Flame Dwarf Gourami for some extra color, but if it's advised against, I'll heed the warning. My one little Danio is going to be ticked at me... he's had the run of the place for months. I'll have to watch him closely to make sure he steers clear of the tempting fins.

If I did want to stock the tank with something to accent the Angels, what would you recommend? Something like Platies or Mollies?

Thanks again!

CHoffman

You could always get some more danios to make a school but if your angels did pair off Danios are egg eaters...I've never heard of mollies or Platies being kept with angels but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened. If it were me I would go with a schooling fish..Cherry barbs would go good and have good color. Certain Tetra's can be nippy so becareful if choosing a tetra.

Live Wire

Thanks for the link ThisGuy. I absolutely understand the conditions of the loose 1in rule. Thats why I asked about the 6" size of the Angel... wasn't sure if the fins were factoring into the size, or I can expect 6" diameter of body mass.

Live Wire

CHoffman,

I think I am done with the Danios. The one I have is about 2.5 years old and he'll probably be the last one I have; I think I would like to move on to something else.

I assume Cherry Barbs are more peaceful than Tiger Barbs? Tigers are known nippers.

CHoffman

YES...Tiger barbs would be a huge no no with Angels..lol. They are awful fin nippers..here is a link about cherry barbs..http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-CherryBarbs.htm
You have allot of options.

ThisGuy

The 6" size is the length they can very 4"-6" but i think that that's from nose to the tip of the fin maybe someone else can clarify it better for you.

Live Wire

Another question I have: is there an easy way to sex the Angels? The LFS has 10-15 of the koi's in his tank... that all look the same to me!

CHoffman

That's a tricky one for sure..how big are they??..The ony sure fire way is too wait untill they've spawned...There is a thread on it here somewhere..I'll find it for ya.

CHoffman

Ok..here is the link...the breeding tube they are talking about only appears right before spawning.
Sexing Angelfish

ThisGuy

The LFS will be selling juve's so its just luck that you buy 2 and they pair off.

Live Wire

Thanks for the link... it sounds like I'm just going to have to be lucky. They are young Angels at the LFS - roughly body mass the size of a quarter.

CHoffman

What most people do if they want a pair is to buy 6 juvies and let them pair off. Then sell or rehome the other 4. If that is an option for you it's the best way to get a pair or to buy a proven pair but that can get pricey for sure.

Live Wire

Thanks for the tips guys/gals. Someone said pics are welcomed, so here is the future home of a couple of juve Koi Angels. I will be picking them up on Friday and will post another picture then. The only inhabitant now is a 2.5 y/o Danio - the last of four that started the tank. He's gonna be pretty upset that he no longer has the run of the place.

Attached Images

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agabr123

great looking tank can't wait to see pics of the angels when you get them! the koi are my favorite!

ThisGuy

Nice tank so your just going to buy 2 angels and hope you luck out with a breeding pair

Live Wire

Only a 29g tank so two will be good for now. Get some experience with Angels and maybe I'll opt for a breeding pair in the 55g.