New 29 Gal, Angelfish Okay?

Hello!

New to the forum, though I’ve kept one aquarium going 3 years a while ago and starting another now (slowly stocking, going through quarantining second batch now).

We have a tank sitting outside, waiting to be cleaned so we can upgrade the snake’s tank from a 29 gal to a 55 gal, probably tomorrow.

And I get to keep the 29 gal. And it holds water, so... new tank! >: )

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’d like to do with it. I’d finally like to start getting into planted aquariums and am starting to read up on that. I will get it firmly planted and get the kinks worked out before even thinking of getting fish, but when I do I was wondering if I could keep a pair of angels. I do not want to rely on upgrading a tank to make sure they are comfortable at adult size.

I’ve read a lot of conflicting info on what the minimum size would be for a pair, and I’d keep some cherry shrimp at the bottom for a clean up crew, or maybe ghost shrimp.

Would this be okay? I know angels can get territorial as they age, and I also know they can get huge given the right conditions. I’d like to give them the best possible home I could.

If this isn’t okay, what could I stock the 29 gal with? And what would be the minimum size for a pair of angels?

Sorry for the long post, angelfish are a favorite of mine and I was super excited to get a new tank, even if it will be months or a year before it’s set up. I’d rather go slow and make sure they get a good home than rush in and potentially harm the fish.

 

What other fish would they be with? They are aggressive feeders so I'd watch out for that. They are also delicate fish but you seem to be experienced so that shouldn't be a problem. Other than that you should be fine, just monitor them for the first couple of days because they are territorial. The shrimp are a great choice to pair with them and other fish that would pair well with the Angel fish are tetras and bottom dwellers like small catfish.

 

I was under the impression they couldn’t be with other fish in the 29 gal?

20 gallons for the first fish and 10 gallons for the second is what I’ve read.

Also, what do you mean about being a delicate fish? I know they have delicate fins, which is why I want to do a planted aquarium since real plants are less likely to catch long flowing fins. Is there something else I’m not aware of?

Thank you so much for your help btw!!

 

I was under the impression they couldn’t be with other fish in the 29 gal?

20 gallons for the first fish and 10 gallons for the second is what I’ve read.

Also, what do you mean about being a delicate fish? I know they have delicate fins, which is why I want to do a planted aquarium since real plants are less likely to catch long flowing fins. Is there something else I’m not aware of?

Thank you so much for your help btw!!

Their fins plus from what I’ve heard I think they are susceptible to ich and fin rot

 

My last tank was a betta, so I’m extra vigilant against fin rot. I’ll make sure to read up on ich and warning signs. Thanks so much for your help!

 

Angels in a 29 is kind of a contreversial subject. Some people say yes, some say no. Personally, I'd keep a single angel in a 29. You could also get a school of temp. appropriate dithers to go in there with it.

 

WELCOME ABOARD !!!

Years ago I had one beautiful koi angel in a planted 29. He was alone except for a couple of nerite snails and some ghost shrimp. The aquarium was a show piece and the angel was the star of the show. He grew to be a giant and I eventually sold him to another hobbyist.
I recommend going with one angel. I think you and your fish will be much happier in the long run if you do that.

 

Greetings and welcome to Fishlore

A 55 is the smallest I would have an adult angel(s) in as they get rather large full grown (they can live over five years). Prissy is in a 55 (her mate died several months ago) and it seems a bit small for her. There are other fish in there as well.

Prissy. Fin tip to fin tip she is 8+ inches. (eyeball guess)



EDIT: A 44 gallon pent is a good choice. I kept a mated pair (Fred and Ginger) in one and it was fine because of the hight of the aquarium. They are young in this shot. That is Prissy in the aquarium to the right. She was still quite young.

 

Well, I was saving up for a 55 anyway. Wasn’t sure what I would stock it with, but I guess I am now lol

That’s why I wanted to double check myself, but it’s been hard finding a difinitive answer to the tank question.

Any specific measurements I should look for to find the best tank (looking on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, so often not sized)?

Edit: And can I have 2 angel in a 55 or do I need even bigger than that?

 

Well, I was saving up for a 55 anyway. Wasn’t sure what I would stock it with, but I guess I am now lol

That’s why I wanted to double check myself, but it’s been hard finding a difinitive answer to the tank question.

Any specific measurements I should look for to find the best tank (looking on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, so often not sized)?

For angels taller is better. Watch PetCo they include the 70 gallon now in the $1.00 per gallon sale. That is a really nice aquarium. I really would like one but do not have the room for another large aquarium. I have a 46, 44, 30, and a 29 sitting empty now....Sure would like that 70 gallon though