New home for the Angel

[VerdantGrotto]

So my Angel will be getting a new home (55 Gallon) as he is starting to outgrow his current one (20 Gallon). I got him about 8 months ago (I think) and he was about the size of a nickel. Now he is approximately 3" from Nose to the tip of his tail and about 3" to 4" tall. He loves meal time if you couldn't tell.

Anyway, the new 55 gallon will be arriving at the end of December. When the new tank has cycled (With established media from the current tank) I will be getting a school of fish... I just can't make a decision on what. So far i've narrowed it down to (but not limited to) : Cherry Barbs , Harlequins and maybe Neon Tetras. Not sure about the Neons because of water conditions they require.

I currently have in the 20 gallon:

3 Emerald Cory Cats
3 Otocinclus Cats
The Angel
... and 3 Ghost Shrimp (I'm pretty sure the Angel ate 2 of them though)
I also have a Java Fern that won't stop growing...
and an Anubias that is doing well

Any suggestions on what kind of Schooling Fish?
Any suggestions welcome for the tank.

[steeler58]

Neons are tougher than you think. Most of them are now tank bred so they acclimate to higher pH and harder water than they used to. Just buy the biggest ones you can because that Angel will get about 6". Also get the biggest school you can 15-20.

Harlequins are a good choice also to fill up the upper part of your tank. Again 12-15 for a good school.

[VerdantGrotto]

So if Neons would be alright would Cardinals be acceptable as well?

[steeler58]

I love cardinals ( I have 24 in my tank) but most of them are wild cought and sensative to pH and high nitrates. If you have at least neutral pH and low nitrates go for it. They are way more colorful and outgoing then Neons at least IMO.

[Lady Hobbs]

Neons are tank breed but in Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong on fish farms. Still imported. Wilds still caught and shipped in Bazil and Peru. We have no idea what we are getting when we buy them.