Minimum tank size for a pair of angelfish

[lobsternoob]

Ok, so MTS is setting in badly again. Even though I just bought another 20 gallon today I'm looking at getting a tank next week for a pair of angelfish and some friends even maybe. What's the minimum size I would want to get to comfortably house a pair of (possibly breeding) angels? I wouldn't want to squeeze them into the 20 gallon, plus I have already decided on a stocking plan for it. So I'm thinking something larger than 20 gallons... and probably a tall style tank. I'm a little constricted for space, since half my room is already full of tanks, but i could probably get away with something up to 3'6". Can't wait to see my electric bill next month...

[MCHRKiller]

Angels are best housed in groups of 3+ or a breeding pair. You have alot of sized available in standard sized tanks, excuse me for I have a semi photographic memory and ordered tanks today :P

You could get:
65G 36"L*18"W*24"T
50G 36*18*18
45G 36*12*24
38G 36*12*20
30G 36*12*16

Unfortunatly they dont make any 40" tanks standard, but the 3ft range is very competative. Personally Id go for the 65G it would let you have a group of 3 angels and a good amount of friends :) Plus if youve ever seen one they are just flat out a beautifully shaped tank.

[KingFisher]

I have read that it's good to have 30 gallons for the first angel and 10 gallons for each additional angel to house them long term. I know breeders will move a pair to a 20 gallon tank for them to lay eggs, but they do not keep them in there all the time, just for the spawn. If you go by this, then a 40 gallon tank would be good for a pair. Just remember, taller tanks are better for angels because of their tall fins.

[lobsternoob]

Thanks for the rundown MCHR :) the 45G 36*12*24 sounds like it would be a good choice. Now to wait a couple weeks more, because thats gonna cost a heck of a lot more to purchase and outfit properly for them than maybe a 30 or so i was thinking of, probably have to special order the tank too if that's what i wind up getting, we'll see what my LFS can give me a good deal on hehe. I appreciate the suggestions, thanks again. I already have a previously breeding pair picked out that a breeder friend of mine is housing, so i wouldn't want to add any more angels. he has them in a 29 custom built tank that is a bit extra tall. they're fairly large so it doesn't seem like enough room to me.

[Northernguy]

Check Craig's list in your area ,you may find the perfect tank.
Aren't Octogon tanks good for angels?

[lobsternoob]

O believe me NG, I check craigslist constantly, thats how i picked up that 20 gal fully equipped today for 40 bucks :)

[smaug]

If all you want is angels then 40 gal would be ok assuming a tall configuration is used.Angels have a tendency to be mean snotty buggers and the bigger tank you got the better it will be.If you want a community tank with a breeding pair of angels 55 gal is minimum.

[nwnittany]

I've got a 45 tall with the dimensions jenn mentioned and I keep 4 angels (1 "breeding" pair) and a few other critters. They are now fairly large (I'll bet the biggest two are at least 5" tall).

Everything works out fine until the pair prepares the spawn site and lays the eggs.....then they basically chase the rest of the tank members to the other half of the tank. But, it hasn't caused any major problems other than the chasing (ie, no fish had been killed or seriously hurt, or appears overly traumatized).

One drawback with the tall's is that it's a long way down to the substrate (seems like no matter what shirt I wear, the sleeves get wet). But, that's just the nature of the beast with tall's and I think they are a good idea for angels.

One drawback with the 45 version of the tall is that it isn't very deep (front to back). If I had to do it over, I'd have gotten the 65....

Now, time for my usual caveats...I'm still fairly new at all this, so I'm just reporting from what I've read and my limited experience, etc, etc...

[smaug]

I've got a 45 tall with the dimensions jenn mentioned and I keep 4 angels (1 "breeding" pair) and a few other critters. They are now fairly large (I'll bet the biggest two are at least 5" tall).

Everything works out fine until the pair prepares the spawn site and lays the eggs.....then they basically chase the rest of the tank members to the other half of the tank. But, it hasn't caused any major problems other than the chasing (ie, no fish had been killed or seriously hurt, or appears overly traumatized).

One drawback with the tall's is that it's a long way down to the substrate (seems like no matter what shirt I wear, the sleeves get wet). But, that's just the nature of the beast with tall's and I think they are a good idea for angels.

One drawback with the 45 version of the tall is that it isn't very deep (front to back). If I had to do it over, I'd have gotten the 65....

Now, time for my usual caveats...I'm still fairly new at all this, so I'm just reporting from what I've read and my limited experience, etc, etc...
The tank size doesnt get real hairy till the angels get quite large [my 3 yr old has a body the size of a mans hand with a fin spread of over 9"] a breeding pair of these would be a true horror to its tank mates in anything under 55gal and probably even then.Im not saying you are doing wrong,but ideally they need a much bigger tank.

[MCHRKiller]

Back in the day when Id breed angles Id put 2 pair on a divided 55G tank and the tanks were quite bare...barebottom, an amazon sword in a claypot or a piece of wood and a breeding cone. And I tell you those 2 angels on either side filled up that half of a 55G for sure. They do get quite large :)

[nwnittany]

The tank size doesnt get real hairy till the angels get quite large [my 3 yr old has a body the size of a mans hand with a fin spread of over 9"] a breeding pair of these would be a true horror to its tank mates in anything under 55gal and probably even then.Im not saying you are doing wrong,but ideally they need a much bigger tank.

Hopefully I'll be able to get a bigger tank approved by the CFO one of these years :hmm3grin2orange:

[Lady Hobbs]

I kept two pair in a 55 gallon and it was still an all out war. I also kept one pair in my 29 which did OK. The mated pairs do fine. It's the odd man out that gets in trouble.

[lobsternoob]

Well, It's gonna be a while before I get that angel tank ready to go, LOL i don't even HAVE the tank yet. Although m,y friend already has the pair of angels I want waiting! But I really appreciate all the input, its given me some stuff to think about. Right now im working on setting up the 20g I picked up yesterday, getting all the gear together and cleaning the used filter heater, and bubble stone. Gotta go get some substrate tomorrow, and build the stand for it! Hopefully the angel tank will be coming in the next 2-3 months.