Angelfish in Strong Currents 8/26/2009
Hello Crew, Hope all is going well for you. I need some information
please. I try to do as much research as I can before I add a certain
type of fish so it can feel at home and it can be enjoyed more.
<Very good.>
However; when it comes to angelfish I must have missed some things. I
have purchased about 10 angelfish over a period of time and now I only
have 4 left.
<How big were these Angels when you bought them? The small ones, with
bodies the size of US quarters, really don't travel well, and a lot of
people have trouble settling them in. Mass production also means that
these sensitive fish are exposed to parasites and bacterial infections.
So while Angels should be hardy, it's a good idea to get fairly large
specimens with a body diameter 2-3 inches, and to quarantine new
livestock for a few weeks.>
I checked my water and there is nothing wrong. I am feeding them the
right foods. The only other tank mates are cories. I thought since all
but 2 of the 10 were bought through the mail that that was the problem.
Today I went to a LFS and saw a couple of angels that I wanted. I told
her the problems I had been having with keeping them. She asked what
kind of filter I had and when I told her I was using 2 Marineland
emperor 400's on a 75 gallon tank she said that was probably what caused
the deaths because angels do not like strong currents.
<Angels live in rivers, and they're adapted to steady but not turbulent
water flow. You're aiming for a water flow rates some 4-6 times the size
of the tank in turnover per hour, but without turbulence. Careful use of
vertically arranged rocks and bogwood, tall plants, and spray bars
rather than nozzles should all spread out the flow producing a steady
but not tiring flow of water. The Marineland Emperor filters are "hang
on the back" filters, and the water sluicing over the sides into the
aquarium shouldn't really create too much turbulence, but they're rated
at 400 gallons per hour. Two of those will be 800 gallons per hour, and
that's almost 11 times the volume of the tank in turnover per hour. In
other words, way too much for Angels. The Corydoras will be in seventh
heaven to be sure, as will other fast-water fish such as loaches and
minnows, but Angels won't be happy.>
I never read this doing my research but when I got home from the store I
found an article stating the same thing about currents. The filters I
have do not have a flow control like the older ones I used to have.
<Remove one filter and see how you go. Provided water quality remains
good, you may find that works as a long-term solution.>
My question is this. So far the 4 I have all seem OK and are eating
well.
Should I take all of them out of the tank and take to a LFS even though
they seem OK? I truly wanted a tank with angels only (and the cories).
<A fine combination, though water warmer than 25 C can be a strain on
some Corydoras species; Corydoras sterbai is the "species of choice" for
tanks where the water is maintained at 26-28 C, for example with
Discus.>
Should I take one of the emperor filters off and only use 1 or would
that still be too strong?
<One should be fine.>
I am at a loss here as to what to do. Please give me your thoughts.
Thanks, James
<Cheers, Neale.>
Re: Angelfish in Strong Currents 8/26/2009
Thank you Neale, but if I remove one of the filters I am worried about
the remaining bio filter being strong enough initially until it can
build up more.
<There's no real risk of problems developing. You can remove 50% of the
biological media from a mature filter without any noticeable drop in
water quality, hence the recommendation made my filter manufacturers
that you replace that much media every X months.>
I guess I could add a product that helps strengthen the bio filter?
<No need.>
Also, the cories I have are panda and another type I just bought today
called speckled.
<Well, Corydoras panda is absolutely typical of the genus in its wants.
There's a nice review of this species on the excellent Scot Cat web
site, here:
http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/corydoras_panda.htm
Numerous species of Corydoras are speckled, and that name by itself
doesn't mean much. Corydoras paleatus is one possibility, it's common
name being Peppered Corydoras, but you might also consider Corydoras
julii and Corydoras trilineatus, the two species being both nicely
speckled but widely confused, the latter being often given the former
species' name. Any old how, with the notable exception of Corydoras
sterbai, virtually all Corydoras prefer cooler to warmer conditions.>
The room the aquarium is in does not get sunlight but was a room added
on after our central air was installed so during the summer months even
with the heater unplugged the temperature is usually 27C. I assume that
will put too much strain on the cories?
<As a summertime high that's fine. But certainly allow the tank to cool
down to 25 C or even slightly lower in the winter. Your Corydoras will
be happier and healthier for it. In fact, you'd be surprised how many
fish prefer water that's a little cool: Danios, Neons, Platies,
Swordtails to name just a few. We often overheat our tanks, on the
assumption "the tropics" are hot and muggy. While air temperature may be
high, the water is often quite cool.>
So even though I love those little guys I guess I will take them back to
the fish store for credit. I am so discouraged now I may just get rid of
all my fish and aquarium as well.
<Which little guys? The catfish or the Angels? Don't be disheartened!
Getting a fish tank "right" is like gardening -- it takes time. But once
you have everything set up just right, it's a thing of beauty that
requires little by way of effort or expense.>
Thanks again Neale.
James
<Cheers, Neale.>
Re: Angelfish in Strong Currents 8/26/2009
Neale, if I let the temp go down to 25C or lower in the winter won't
that be too cool for the angels?
<No, this is just fine for farmed Angels. If you look at the Fishbase
page for Pterophyllum scalare, the species from which the farmed hybrid
we usually keep is mostly derived, you'll see it's tolerance is between
24-30 C, so you have plenty of scope to tweak the temperature as
required.
http://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4717
In fact for most middling tropicals, things like Angels, gouramis, most
tetras and barbs, etc., 25 C is just about ideal.>
And lastly, my tank has a brace that runs from front to back. If I go to
one emperor filter I will not be able to center it because of that. Will
that make a difference with the water intake being different from
different
side of the tank?
<Wouldn't matter in the least, and in fact your fish will choose the end
of the tank they prefer. So your Angels may well gather at the end away
from the filter, perhaps hovering around underneath a nice clump of
floating Indian Ferns or similar. Cheers, Neale.>
Angel Fish Habitat 6/24/09
Hello Crew, hope you are having a great day. I have a question about
angel fish please. I have a 75 gallon fw aquarium with some cories and a
bristle nose Pleco. I am going to add some small angels to my tank soon
but wanted to know if it was OK to continue using a bubble wand I have
attached to the back of the tank.
<Sure>
I do not have the air pump turned up high, just enough for the effect of
bubbles rising up against the back glass. I didn't know if this would be
too much turbulence for the angels or not because of their slow
movements.
Please let me know. I appreciate your help.
James
<Should be fine. BobF>
Angelfish, FW, sys., reading 4/19/09
I currently have a 55 gallon tank that has been circulating for
quite some time now and I want to put Angelfish In It. I also have a
20 gallon tank (yes I know Its a tad small) with 3 angelfish In It
right
now, and I love them!
So all an all I know most of the Information I need and those facts
I don't I learn from the closest pet store or online. One thing I'm
not finding Is a matter of life or death (for the fish not me ha ha)
but yes, What needs to be the water circulation from the pump
(strong or soft?)
<Medium>
and the air circulation from the air stones (vigorous?)
<This too>
also would It be suggested to use an underground filter?
<Could be>
Thanks.
Amanda Larson
<Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwangelsysfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Angelfish. FW, sys. 6/3/08
Hello, and thank you for considering my question.
<Hallo indeed, and you're certainly welcome!>
I am very interested in purchasing a single angelfish, to live on it's own in a
5 gallon tank. Would it be alright in a tank that size?
<no>
The tank is well filtered and heated. Also, is there anything important that I
need to know before purchasing one?
<Please read http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwangelfishes.htm re
angelfish requirements>
I have owned a variety of fish before, but this is my first angel. I have done
some research, so I know they like their temp. between 76 and 84, they grow to 6
inches max. and that they eat tropical fish food.
<Good basic info. Do read into 'tropical fish food'>
I continue to believe that WetWebMedia is the most reliable source for aquatic
life information.
<Thank you. I don't want to undersell you, but here is a link on some basic
aquarium principles we hold:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwlivestk.htm ...also dealing with
aquarium sizes. Also, common sense can prevail. If your fish has a maximum size
of 6", it won't hardly be able to turn around in a 5 gallon tank, much less live
a healthy life.>
Thank you again for all of your previous help, and for the advice that you will
now give me.
<Always happy to be of service.>
Lena.
<Benjamin>
Fixing Up My Grandparents
Tank... FW Angel sys., hlth. 12/25/07
Hello WWM,
<Joe>
Recently, on Christmas day, I visited my Grandparents and it was sad to find out
that the Angelfish I had bought them 6 years ago passed away. I set the tank up
for them when I was in 7th grade, about the time when I was getting into the
hobby. I didn't know a lot, and I set up a 6 gallon eclipse tank with some
tetras, the angelfish, and an anubis (sp?) <Anubias> plant. The tetras never
made it, but the plant and angelfish did.
<Needs more room...>
The anubis plant is still around, and has grown well and green. The angel grew
very large in the small tank, reaching about 4 inches in length, not having a
lot of room to swim. It was until a year or two ago I realized the tank was too
small, and was surprised how he was still alive and well.
<Might have lived much longer, better in a bigger volume>
Getting them a larger tank would be hard, since they don't know a lot on how to
keep the tank.
<What other possibilities are there Joe? Patterns... consequences>
I considered taking him and placing him in my larger freshwater tank, but it
would have caused problems in my tank, and yet the angel provided my
grandparents with company. They loved the fish,
<... not by my def.. If/when something is "loved" the folks involved do their
best to provide what is "positive to the nature" of the other/s...>
and were pretty sad to see him go. I couldn't tell what was wrong with him,
couldn't see any markings, but I did notice his eye was a little red in one spot
for a while, and when he died that his mouth was a little chopped up looking. My
cousin said it was fungus, but I am not sure. It looked like he had "chin hairs'
or something. Now we need to decide what to do with the tank.
Its been established for 6 years, and I don't know if it is a good idea to dump
it, do some serious cleaning, take out the rocks, etc. I figured I would clean
half the tank water out and wait a few weeks in case there were diseases.
<Environmental only likely>
Here are the parameters. Temp 79, Ph. 6.8, Nitrate 35. I need your advice on
what to do. Should I get a new tank, do some cleaning, dump it. Also, a
suggestion on what fish would do well in the tank and some plants that can also
cope with the low lighting the tank has.
Thank you
Joe
<All posted on our site, "waiting" for your perusal... Including FW Angelfish
Systems if you'll look. Bob Fenner>
Freshwater angel fish... sys., hlth. 9/25/07
hello crew,
<Hello.>
greetings and thank you in advance, I will describe the problems I have been
having with freshwater angels. I have only been trying plain Jane pet store
angels, not wild types etc. I have had success with convict cichlids, breeding
and rearing the young no problem, and my nano reef tank is doing just fine,
right now still just "easy" animals, Zoanthids and parazos and a three stripe
damsel, and "utility" species, so I have a decent amount of experience keeping
fish, my Malawian tank is doing fine, not breeding yet but giving it time, so
enough back-story.
<OK.>
I have recently purchased a few angel fish, one whose body was roughly the size
of a half dollar, and 5 the size of a nickle, I watched the tank as best I
could. The large fish is still alive and swimming, but the small guys have all
perished.
<Very small angels do not travel well. Also, angels are bullies, and big ones
pick on small ones. Contrary to popular myth, they aren't really schooling fish.
Juveniles congregate in groups, it is true, but adults form territorial pairs.
So, the classic way to start with angels is buy a group of 6 identically sized
angels, rear them together, and then remove the excess fish once a stable pair
has formed.>
There are not detectable levels of ammonia or nitrite, the nitrates are a bit
higher than i realized, the tank had previously been the home of my breeding
pair of convicts, as well as some tiger barbs and a guppy, the guppy being the
only one still in there.
<Angels, like all cichlids, are intolerant of nitrate. The goal is less than 50
mg/l, and ideally less than 20 mg.l.>
I had tried angles before, prior to the convicts, and failed then, i then tried
the convicts and right away, in the same tank they did just fine.
<Convicts and angels are very different fish in terms of hardiness. This is
especially true with "fancy" angels, which are the ones most commonly sold.
These have been selected for looks, not hardiness or behaviour, with the net
result that many fancy angels are very unpredictable in terms of maximum size,
disease resistance, hardiness, and aggression.>
ok on to the questions,
I apologize for the long story before the question.
Just how sensitive to hardness, nitrates, and PH are domesticated angels?
<Varies, but as a baseline, tank-bred angels are indifferent to pH and hardness
within a range of around 5-20 degrees dH, pH 6-8. Nitrates as mentioned can be
more of an issue.>
Am I likely to have better luck starting with slightly larger angels?
<Quite possibly. But the main thing is to ensure your water chemistry is similar
to that of the breeder. As with any fish, changes in water chemistry are more of
a deal than what precisely the water chemistry values are. Also, try and avoid
the very fancy varieties, things like veil-tails and koi angles. Ideally, pick
wild-type angels, as these have been messed about with the least. They will have
three or four vertical bands on the flanks and red eyes. Marble angels seem to
be reasonably robust, too. Gold angels are less so, and black angels
significantly less so.>
oh sorry, the tank is a 55.
<Should be fine for 6 angels while they're young, but a breeding pair could
easily dominate it.>
I did massive water changes, using a API tap water filter prior to angel fish
introduction, like 13 gallons changed out, current filtration is the H.O.B.
filter I had in with the convicts, as well as new Zeolite, (fear of overwhelming
the system) and a recently added Fluval 303 which I had not been using, but has
carbon in it as well.
<OK. Here's some comments on your filtration system. For angelfish (and cichlids
in general) you need a filtration system that provides at least 6 times the
volume of the tank in turnover per hour. The Fluval 303 has a turnover of about
220 gallons per hour, to which you should add the turnover of your second
filter. You're looking for a total of at least 6 x 55, i.e., 330 gallons per
hour. But this also depends on how well the filter is maintained, and also on
what media you use. Zeolite and carbon are both redundant in a well maintained
aquarium. Zeolite isn't very useful. It needs frequent replacing (weekly,
really) and isn't as effective or economical as a biological filter. Zeolite is
really only for hospital tanks and very acidic tanks where filter bacteria will
not grow. Carbon is even less useful. It serves no useful purpose at all in a
properly maintained freshwater aquarium. Doing 50% weekly water changes will
dilute dissolved organics in the water much more effectively than adsorption by
the carbon. Moreover, carbon removes medication from the water, making it
impossible to treat your fish. So remove both the carbon and the zeolite.
Instead, invest in biological filtration. Pack both filters with a bit of
mechanical filter media (perhaps 1/3rd) and the rest biological filter media
(the remaining (2/3rd).
the water I have is very hard, i don't have to add anything for the Malawis.
<Shouldn't be a problem. People routinely keep and breed angels here in England
where the water is harder than Lake Malawi.>
I am at a loss, and i need to know what I am doing wrong.
please help, I desperately wan to have success with angels, and eventually
Discus.
<Whoa... get the angels right, and then move to discus. If you can't keep
angels, you have no chance at all with discus.>
I am at the point of all but giving up on any soft water species and sticking to
the African rift lakes, central America and salt water creatures.
<That's certainly a viable approach to take. Fishkeeping is a whole lot easier
when you choose fish that like your local water conditions. But in this
instance, I'm not sure water chemistry is the critical factor.>
Also at some point, after moving to my own house rather than apt. I wish to try
native fish, so albeit yes I have "Great Expectations" I am trying to progress
in a logical sort of manner.
again Thank you for your help,
Forrest
P.S. have tried to eliminate any typos, spelling errors or grammatical
errors.
<Well, I hope this helps! Neale>
Re: freshwater angel fish – 09/25/07
thanks again. will add up on the biological filtration more, and get the
nitrates down ASAP, and yeah the Discus are quite a ways off, figure it's always
good to have a goal though, I am not thinking of discus in less than 3 years.
Thanks again,
Forrest
<Very good. I'm not sure it takes 3 years to get up to speed for keeping discus,
but definitely keeping and breeding angels for a year or so will teach you all
the basics. Modern discus are really not all that difficult to keep, especially
compared to wild discus. But they ARE less forgiving of mistakes than angels.
Once you're happy you can handle angels and get them to breed successfully,
there's no reason to feel nervous about discus. As ever read, learn, and be
patient while your skills improve. Cheers, Neale>
Re: FW Angelfish, Stocking plan, planted
tank start up. – 09/25/07
Hey Andrea,
<Hi Terri!>
Its me again! Thank you very much for your wise ways, I am now completely
obsessed with organizing this new tank...its sort of funny and very neurotic;)
<It gets that way ;-). Beware of MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome.)>
Anyway, due to various reasons, things have really changed and we've decided
that we should go with a smaller 20 gallon tank.
<Bummer. I usually try to get the biggest I can. I never hear anyone say "I wish
I went smaller.">
Now we have to learn about new compatibility setups. I have some questions;
please advise..
<I'll do my best.>
Planned setup is now
20 gallon planted tank:
2 Apistogramma <Ok.>
5 neon dwarf rainbows <Ok.>
3 zebra loaches <Ok. Sounds good!>
1) Could I fit another small school of tetras in here? If so, which compatible
species do you recommend?
<Hmm...I'd say really that this is pretty stocked the way it is. I suggest you
start with what you have picked out, the least aggressive (rainbows, then
loaches) to most aggressive (Apistos) and do more learning and research. This is
a hobby of patience. Get these, and enjoy them over time (start slowly, stock
this over about 3-4 months) and do some extra learning. Subscribe to one of the
many aquarium forums out there, and start making some friends. It will help
TONS, and you will learn a lot of tricks of the trade, that will help you decide
if or whether to stock anything else, and what to add.>
2) I read that dwarf or chain loaches are very inbred and tends towards
aggression. Is this true? I think they would be a better match for my setup
since they are smaller, but not sure if I can get them here where I live.
<I think that Botia Striata (zebra loaches) are a fantastic choice. I have not
heard the same inbreeding information as you, but that does not mean it does not
exist. I suggest doing a search for chain loach on the WetWebMedia site and
online for more information.>
3) Would the zebras loaches be ok with the Apistos?
<Yes, I believe so, but again, search on WetWebMedia is your friend here ;-).>
4) Would yo yo loaches really be unsuitable for a 20 gallon setup?
<My feelings are yes. They can get pretty large. Also, they really like to dig,
so they might really disrupt your plans for a planted tank.>
5) Is there a personality difference in general between Apisto. bitaeniata and
Apisto. agassazi? I'm having trouble finding information on the former.
<As far as I am aware, there is not much of a difference personality-wise, no.
You might try searching on Google.com proper for Apistogramma dedicated sites,
which might have more species specific information. Breeders, and breeding
registries for specific cichlids generally keep up on a lot of species
specifics. You might also try the local library, for books on South American
Cichlidae.>
6) Would the loaches be ok in a heavily planted aquarium? I know they have a
tendency to move stuff around, but was wondering if you ever heard of it being a
major issue with this species.
<Some are ok, others can be a real pain. Kuhli loaches like to bury themselves
in the substrate. Clown loaches get very large and can knock over rocks and
driftwood. However, I have kept skunk Botia and zebra loaches and even clowns in
planted aquaria. Much of it depends on a few factors: Your determination and
tolerance of their tendency to move things/dig and whether or not you want to
keep substrate stirring snails. Snails are a natural part of loach diets. Many
planted tank keepers are huge advocates of Malaysian Trumpet Snails and other
decorative snails and shrimp. The two do not mix. Loaches will eat them. So, it
is one of those compromise things, where you will have to research and decide
for yourself.>
7) I live in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada and the pet store here
really doesn't have a good selection of fishes. I sort of have to wait for
whatever to come in and then get it then. Are you aware of any good online
stores that ship to Canada? Do you think online purchasing and shipping of fish
is safe?
<I think it is safe, as I have done it many times. I have both sold and
purchased fish online. The key is to do so from reputable sellers and buyers.
Try checking out some of the sponsor sites on wetwebmedia.com. They are ALL
reputable online fish retailers, and I am sure many service Canada. Also, there
is a site specifically for fish that is similar to eBay called Aquabid.Com that
you could look into; many Canadian sellers on there.>
8) Do you think Apistos are a better choice compared to (German Blue) rams?
<I think both fish are fantastic fish. It is personal preference.>
Thanks so much for your time, it is so greatly appreciated as I am starting to
feel slightly overwhelmed by all the options. You guys are a life saver!
<You are most welcome. Anytime. Get yourself an account on an aquarium message
board, they are a huge help. I really love the one here on wetwebmedia.com and
aquariumadvice.com.>
Cheers,
Terri
Angel Fish question, beh., hlth. 4/18/07
Could you please tell me what the average life expectancy is for a freshwater
angel fish in a 7 gallon tank? I have had one for 6 years and he is suddenly
very sick and I was just wondering if this is the expected end of his life
cycle. Thank you!
<Hello Cindy. In a 7 gallon tank, a baby angelfish will reach the size to be
moved out about 3-4 months after hatching. Anything beyond that is, to be
honest, cruel. So it is definitely time to move him out to new quarters. At
minimum, you should be looking at a "tall" 20 gallon tank for your angelfish,
and I'd heartily recommend something much larger if you want your fish to look
its best. Like most other medium-sized cichlids, angelfish should live around 10
years in captivity, potentially quite a bit longer. Be sure and read the article
on angels here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwangelfishes.htm and then peruse
some of the related articles as well. There's no shortage of information on
angels out there, including some quite nice books.>
Sincerely,
Cindy
<Cheers, Neale.>
Re: Angel Fish question, hlth. 4/19/07
Thanks so much - from the article, it looks like my fish probably has
hemorrhagic septicemia in one of his fins.
<Haemorrhagic septicemia is very uncommon, and I have no idea how you diagnosed
this. Far, far more likely that it is sick from being kept in a 7 gallon tank.
Please trust me on this: the aquarium is too small and likely the nitrite and
ammonia levels are too high because of an undersized filter. Unless you're
changing 100% of the water every day, the nitrates are probably too high too.
These will cause serious health problems in the long term, as seems to be
happening here.>
I had been treating him for fin rot with tetracycline, but perhaps I missed the
mark. It may be too late to switch to Flagyl as he is in serious distress.
<Haemorrhagic septicemia is a symptom not a disease. It may be caused by many
things including a virus. So shotgun treatment with an antibiotic is pointless.
If you seriously think this is the problem, consult with a vet. Your fish isn't
going to get better by itself.>
I will do what I can and see if it works. He is fighting the good fight to
survive, but odds may be stacked against him at this point.
<Please understand this: the odds are stacked against him because you made it
so. The conditions you are keeping this fish in are unhealthy and wrong, and
hence your actions are causing this animal to be sick and likely in pain. He
isn't sick because of some random disease that stole into your home during the
night. It's because you aren't caring for him properly. Your move.>
He lives alone in the 7 gallon tank, and until he got sick a week ago, seemed to
be a very happy camper - responding to my voice, dancing for me, etc. He truly
is a pet just like a puppy and I am devastated he is so sick.
<Just goes to show. Your fish gave you so much back. Yes, he was a pet, and yes
he depends on you. All he wants in return is a larger aquarium that will cost
you very little to obtain.>
Thanks again for the info - I have bookmarked it for future reference....
Cindy
<No problems. Cheers, Neale>
Plants for Discus and Angel Fish – 4/10/07
I have a 60gal freshwater aquarium with 2 Discus and 2 Angel fish in it I would
like to know if I should use artificial plants or real plants...
<Aquatic plants aren't part of the normal discus (or angelfish) habitat: these
fish live in the "flooded forest" where nutrient poor waters wash around sunken
wood and the trunks of huge trees. The fish live hidden among the wood, and when
pairing off, guard bits of wood on which they lay their eggs. So by all means
use real or plastic plants if you wish, but the fish don't care. They'd sooner
have nice tall bits of real/artificial wood that they can explore, guard, or
school around. Also bear in mind not all common aquarium plants enjoy soft/acid
water. Vallisneria spiralis and the common Amazon sword Echinodorus bleheri for
example both like neutral to basic, moderately hard water.>
...also if it is a good idea to use volcanic rock in it as decor.
<Volcanic rock -- if you mean artificial lava rock rather than actual pumice --
does acidify the water. This is the porous, reddish-brown "rock", right? While
harmless enough in a tank with a basic pH and lots of hardness, in a soft water
discus tank I'd personally be vary wary of using it. At least, not without
trying a little first, and monitoring the pH for a few weeks before buying any
more.>
I do not want the fish to get hurt on the rock.
<They shouldn't.>
I would also like to know how many of these fish I can put in it if I was to add
other fish and what kind of fish I can add with them and how many.
<Discus, and to a slightly lesser degree angels, need good water quality.
Understocking is the easiest way to get this. Also, once they mature, angels
especially become very territorial, and will hold an area about 60-90 cm in
diameter, vigorously pushing away any conspecifics. So while you can probably
house half a dozen of either fish in a 60 gallon tank, the question is whether
you want to and whether the fish will put up with that once mature. As for
tankmates, both angels and discus appreciate slightly higher than average
temperatures. Lace gouramis and moonlight gouramis can work well though both are
a bit large. Clown loaches also work well, but again, rather large. Small tetras
(e.g. Neons) become angelfish food so not recommended. Bleeding heart tetras,
silver Hatchetfish, African Glowlight tetras, and other non-nippy characins of
this size would work well. Warm-water catfish include Brochis spp., Bristlenose
Plecs, and non-subtropical Corydoras (i.e., not bronze or peppered Corys). Very
small Suckermouth cats, like Otocinclus spp., can attack the sides of these slow
moving fish to eat the mucus, so avoid. Likewise aggressive loaches and cichlids
will often terrorize them. All this said, discus are perhaps best kept alone,
simply because it makes maintaining water quality good so much easier.>
George
<Cheers, Neale>
