Angel Questions Need Answers

[Styx]

Okay, so I really like angels. I was taking a close look at the petstore the other day and they looked at me with these big intelligent eyes. It's the same look my bettas have. And the look absent from my idiot (but cute) guppies' eyes.

So, I’ve done some research, but I figured I’d ask to see if I can get anymore information on angels. So here’s my questions, forgive me if they make me sound like a fool, but I want to make sure.

Will one angel be okay by itself without another angel? Or do they prefer groups or not even give a crap (right now, I’m not looking to breed)? I have a short finned copper betta, would it be possible for them to get along or should I not even try it? Since I have betas, I know how hardy they are, if anyone owns both, how are the two comparable that way? As in how hardy are angelfish compared to bettas? Is an air pump an absolute necessity with angels? How about a heater? I change my betta’s water almost every day, full water changes, would an angelfish like that too if I kept it in a smaller place (I ask because smaller 1 and 2 gallon homes are easy for me to clean every day, so if they prefer crystal clean water over space, I’d do that- NOT that I’m saying in a larger space it’s going to be ignored)? Do angels get along at all with female betas?

I’d heard of this disturbing “angel disease” or “angel plague” or something that’s not treatable and contagious. Is it possible for that to spread to bettas? On the same note, they seem to be prone to more diseases than my bettas, could they transmit those to them? Are they susceptible to a lot of things that are contagious (like cotton mouth and fungus)?

I think that’s it…

 

[glolite]

I can only answer some of your questions, not sure about bettas with angels.
Yes angels are fine on their own but they can grow to 6 inches so they need a minimum of about 10 gallons, preferably in a tall tank. They need a temperature of between 24 and 27c with well filtered water in a mature, fully cycled tank. 2 angels together sometimes fight especially 2 males as they are members of thee cichlid family as you know, highly territorial. I keep mine with guppies and they are very efficient at keeping the population stable as they eat very tiny fry. They also like well oxygenated water, with preferably an airstone as well as a water pump on the filter.

Hope this answers a few quetions for you. I'm sure the betta experts will answer the rest.

 

[Cian McLiam]

Angels are very hardy these days if you avoid the really wierd colours and varieties. I wouldnt keep one with a betta though, both have a tendency to snap at fins and bettas dont know that they are small fish.

One will do ok by itself once its over a few months old, young fish like to be kept in groups and older fish might fight a lot if they are not a pair or have little room.

An air pump isnt necessary once you have a good quality filter, but point the outlet so it breaks the water surface and keep the surface clean as angls like warm water which can lose oxygen fairly quickly.

Finally nothing less than a 50 gallon tank is a good home for an angel

Ken

 

[freddyk]

A 50 gallon tank is a nice recommendation, but for a single specimen you really don't need one that big - angels are not giants, and are not fast swimmers. Even a 29 gallon will do the job for one.

 

[Blue Lobster]

I would get a matched set. When at the LFS watch the tank of angels for a while. You will see a pattern of interaction, usually sets of pairs will be easy to pick out.

Buy two that are haning out together, this will probably be a mated pair or two that just get along.

I would put them in a tall hex tank if a new tank is an option.

A 10 gallon will be too small for them. I have two large ones that would be dragging their barbels in the substrate in anything less than a 20 gallon tall.

They like space as they can become territorial. They are no more suseptible to diesase than any other fish, so don't sweat it. They grow like weeds with some melafix in the water.



A great fish to keep, and are graceful when grown out. Check into Koi Angels, they have great fins.

Read this http/www.angelsplus.com/index.htm

 

[Styx]

Thanks a lot! Knowing this I'm already looking forward to getting one. :3

Also, I have those corner box filters that filters with the bubbles and has an air stone inside. Will that oxygenate the water enough, or should I put another airstone thing in?

I also have an over the back filter, would that be better?

 

[ramesses]

I am going to be brutally honest with you.No,you should not keep bettas with angels especially if kept under tight quarters,and this is why......At first when the angels are small,the gorgeous bettas will once in a while attack and nip at the cichlids fins,giving you the inpression who is in charge.If you thought the asian "fighting ones"were ,you are wrong! The south americans will grow quickly,and once they start pairing up,all hell breaks loose.Your betta won't stand a chance against a extremely territorial,much bigger,meaner,faster fish.----I know this 'cause it happened in my tank----.

Also,angels need plenty of space.Yes they're tough,but they also need a good filter not just an air stone.If you have an over the back filter or "cascade filter" even better.

 

[freddyk]

Also, I have those corner box filters that filters with the bubbles and has an air stone inside. Will that oxygenate the water enough, or should I put another airstone thing in?

I also have an over the back filter, would that be better?

Why not go with both, you can't have too much filtration, and those box filters can do wonders for fine partical filtration.

 

[Styx]

I put the over the back filter in right now to get it ready for the angels.

Okay, the thing is airation. Would that alone be enough? Or not?

Now if I put in the box filter as well, would that be enough airation, or not?

I'm just wondering.

 

[Ben]

i cant help with the filteration but you have to make sure the tank is 18+inches high as angels have very long dorsal(top) fins

DD

 

[ramesses]

OK,so you installed the over the back filter and a box filter,that should be fine.
Just make sure however,that as indicated by others,that you have a tall enough tank.They tend to grow quickly and dorsals are part of their magestic appeal.

 

[Styx]

Okay then, thanks a lot everyone.

 

[freddyk]

Hanging filters provide all the aeration you need, if you didn't want to run the box filter. Good luck!

 

[Styx]

Huzah. I just didn't want to add a pump if I didn't have to which could be used elsewhere.