CHoffman

I have a 29 gallon hex tank. There are two Angelfish in there now. I'm thinking of putting some black skirted tetra's in there and a bottom dweller. Maybe ottos??..How many black skirted tetra's can I have..I know I need at least need 5..and how many otto's could I have I know I need at least 3..I don't want to overstock I just didn't know if the same 1 inch rule applied to angelfish and otts and tetras..lol..I guess I need to know my limits on this tank. Thanks guys.

capekate

Hi
IMO I would really advice against black skirt tetras as they are really mean fin nippers. At least that was my experience with them. They do go after each other but Im thinking that they will bother the Angel fish.
Otos would be great to add with them. In a 29 its hard to think of a school of fish that will work with 2 Angel fish.. I hope that others will be able to help you more.

CHoffman

Thanks for the heads up capekate. I don't want fin nippers

Biscato33

Hi!

Maybe you could get a school of more placid tetras that are large enough that they won't be eaten... I don't know too much about bleeding heart tetras, but maybe they would work? I've heard that dwarf gouramis would be fine with the angels.
Otos would be fine. I have a few myself and they are very cute and amusing to watch! you wouldn't be over-stocking if you had the tetras, otos and angels in a tank.
Hope I helped!

~ Ali

MrsM3197

I don't wanna step on any toes...but I have long finned black skirt (3) and long finned gold skirt (3) tetras in with William my angelfish. I was also concerned with nippers when I got them, but gave it a shot with a plan "B" in place if it didn't work. Their tank is also heavily planted, so they have lots of hiding spots just in case somebody gets an attitude. No nipped fins here. I also have ottos with them, and I love them. They are really cute little fish and work hard!

Barbrella

No one can guarantee the actions of every individual fish, but IME, skirt tetras are fin nippers, especially in regards to large-finned and slow moving fish like angels.

I prefer to be safe rather than sorry but that's just me!

As Biscato33 suggests, peaceful Bleeding heart tetras are usually fine with angelfish, but they do grow quite large and a school would probably overcrowd your tank especially since it's a hex tank. I would NOT put a dwarf gourami in there.

Hex tanks are designed more for people than for the fish. Horizontal room is what's needed - especially for schooling fish like tetras and bottom dwellers - since fish don't swim up and down.

CHoffman

Yes I agree..Hex wouldn't be my pick if I had the choice. This tank was given to me so I figured I better make use out of it. . Angelfish seemed to be the best choice. Since there is a chance the Black Skirted Tetra's would nip I'd rather be safe and go with something else or nothing else. I would definatly not put a gourmai in there. Hmmm so ottos it is..lol..How many can I get??

Barbrella

You could put 5 or 6 otos in there, but I would wait until you have some algae for them to eat. Otos are often in sad shape by the time they reach the petstore, so having a familiar food supply right away would be good.

There are other types of fish you could put in there, if you're interested. Cherry Barbs are lovely, lively and peaceful and won't nip your angels!

CHoffman

Yes..I would def. like to have some other fish in the tank..Cherry Barbs would bring color to it too...Angelfish wouldn't eat the poor things..lol..So I'll wait to get the ottos. How many cherry barbs could I get..with still being able to add the ottos later?

Biscato33

Hi,

You could probably get a school of 5 or 6 cherry barbs, and add several other ottos later... Cherry Barbs look really stunning from what I've seen at the pet store.

~ Ali