In this post, we will discuss the topic “How many Angelfish in a 10-gallon tank”. We will also suggest some fish species other than Angelfish that can occupy a 10-gallon tank.
How many Angelfish in a 10-gallon tank
A 10-gallon tank cannot fit any Angelfish. A 10-gallon tank is less than the minimum required by Angelfish, even baby ones. They are semi-aggressive medium-sized fish that can grow up to 6 inches long and 10 inches tall.
10-gallon tanks are still nano tanks. Thus, it is a challenging task to choose its inhabitants, and this should be done carefully. A 10-gallon tank is a good tank size for beginners aquarists that are willing to obtain experience and practice.
What you should know about Angelfish
Angelfish are popular semi-aggressive medium-sized fish species. They are peaceful most of the time. However, can become aggressive regarding territory and offspring. Their lifespan is 10-12 years when in ideal tank conditions. They measure a maximum of 6 inches long and 10 inches tall.
The minimum tank size adequate for an Angelfish is 16 to 20-gallon for adult ones. For babies and juveniles, it is 12 and 14-gallons per individual. Their tank size is calculated according to their height. The equation comes as Total size in gallons = (Fish height + 10). Thus, an 10 inches tall Angelfish would require a 20-gallon tank, while a 6 inches tall Angelfish would require a 16-gallon one.
10-gallon tank dimensions
A regular 10-gallon tank dimension is 20 x 10 x 12 inches. However, tanks can be taller/ deeper and shorter. Resuming, they can come in a variety of shapes according to the fish requirements. A 10-gallon tank usually weighs 110 lbs when filled.
Why do Angelfish require more than 10-gallon space?
Besides the Angelfish size, there are also some other reasons for them not to follow the general rule “1 inch of fish per gallon”.
1. Space for decorations: When setting up a new tank for Angelfish, some features are necessary, such as plants, substrate, and the tank equipment (filter and heater). All these items occupy space in the tank. Thus, reducing, even more, the space available for the fish to occupy;
2. Smaller tanks require more frequent water changes: The fish require renovated water frequently. Having a medium-bodied fish in a small tank would require frequent water changes to the fish thrive;
3. Angelfish territorial behaviour: Angelfish are known for being quite territorial. Thus, enough space is needed for the fish to establish their territory;
4. The cleaning process will be easier: having a bigger tank will require you to clean it less frequently than smaller ones. This is because the ratio of the contaminant takes longer to be significant in greater water volumes.
Choosing fish for a 10-gallon tank
Nano tanks usually have astonishing designs. However, choosing the fish inhabitant can be a tricky task. This challenge should be conducted with care and attention to the specific requirements and behaviours.
Keeping Angelfish in a 10-gallon tank is strongly discouraged. Here, we carefully chose some other possible fish species that would work in a nano tank with 10-gallon space better than Angelfish.
Platy fish (Xiphophorus maculatus)
Platy fish are great fish for novice hobbyists. They are very easy fish to care for and do not require much regarding maintenance. They are very peaceful fish that live very well in community tanks.
They grow around 2.8 inches. Thus, there could be 2 or 4 Platy fish in a 10-gallon tank without issues.
Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
Betta fish are very usual fish in nano tanks. This is probably because they do very well alone, without getting depressed. They have extremely charming fins and great colours.
They grow up to 3 inches. However, the recommendation is to keep only one individual in the tank, as they could become aggressive towards each other.
Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila)
Sparkling Gouramis are very peaceful non-aggressive fish that do not require too much effort to maintain.
They grow around 1.5 inches. Thus, it is possible to consider a few of them in a 10-gallon tank, 5-6 individuals would be a good number of Sparkling Gourami.
Balloon Molly (Poecilia latipinna)
The Balloon Molly is also quite low-effort to maintain, they are beginner-friendly. They grow around 3 inches and can be raised in a group of 3 or 4 in a 10-gallon tank.
Dwarf Otocinclus (Otocinclus macrospilus)
Dwarf Otocinclus are also great fish to a 10-gallon fish tank. They do not require much attention and are very friendly fish that will help you with algae cleaning.
They only grow around 1.8 inches and can be kept in a small group of 5 individuals in a 10-gallon tank.
Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)
Neon Tetras are tiny fish with vivacious amazing colours. They are extremely peaceful and do just fine in community tanks. They are very popular fish in nano tanks as they only grow to 1.25 inches. Thus, a 10-gallon tank can keep around 8 to 10 Neon Tetras
10-gallon community tank combinations
Some sizes of nano tanks allow also becoming community tanks, with some fish and invertebrates. Here, we listed a few combinations for communities in 10-gallon tanks:
– 1 Betta + 5-10 Cherry Shrimp;
– 5 Dwarf Otocinclus + 1 Female Betta;
– 4 Balloon Molly + 5-10 Cherry Shrimp;
– 8 Neon Tetras + 5-10 Ghost Shrimp;
– 5 Sparkling Gourami + 1-2 Nerite Snails;
Tips for a 10-gallon tank
– Fix a water change schedule;
– Have good filtration, oxygenation, and heating systems;
– Avoid overfeeding and overpopulation;
– Follow species requirements and natural behaviours;
– Provide enough plants and substrate.
Conclusion
In this post, we discussed the topic “How many Angelfish in a 10-gallon tank”. We also suggested some fish species other than Angelfish that can occupy a 10-gallon tank.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How many Harlequin rasboras in a 10-gallon tank
Can Angelfish live in a 10-gallon tank?
No, it is strongly discouraged, Angelfish are medium-sized fish that require at least a 16-gallon tank for a small adult. In addition, they prefer being with conspecifics, Thus, a 10-gallon tank would be less than necessary.
What size of tank do I need for 2 Angelfish?
The general recommendation is to have at least a 29-gallon tank for a pair of Angelfish. However, they might grow and need some more room according to their size.
How many gallons do you need for 3 Angelfish?
3 Angelfish require a 60-gallon tank to live comfortably and without major temperament issues.
How many Angelfish should be kept together?
It will depend on the size of your tank. However, the general recommendation is to keep at least a pair, once they feel safer in the company of conspecifics.
Are Angelfish good for beginners?
Yes, Angelfish are relatively good for novice aquarists. They are quite hardy fish and may tolerate slight parameters variation.
What are the smallest Angelfish?
Pterophyllum leopoldi is the tiniest Angelfish species. They can grow only around 2 inches when adults. Although, they are the most aggressive ones too.
References
Tom. 2020. How Big Do Angelfish Get? (And Tank Size Guide). https://aquagoodness.com/how-big-do-angelfish-get/#Angelfish_tank_size_guide
Angelfish Care Guide. https://www.aqueon.com/resources/care-guides/angelfish
Angelfish Complete Care Guide, Size, Life Span, Tank Mates, Breeding. 2020. https://fishlists.com/angelfish/
7 Freshwater Fish That Are Perfect for a 10-Gallon Tank. 2018. https://www.petmd.com/fish/care/7-freshwater-fish-are-perfect-10-gallon-tank
Clifford, J. Best Fish For A 10-Gallon Tank And How Many Can You Fit. 2021.https://www.tankarium.com/best-fish-for-a-10-gallon-tank-and-how-many-can-you-fit/
Dockett, E. 10 Best Fish for a 10-Gallon Tank Setup. 2021. https://pethelpful.com/fish-aquariums/Best-Fish-for-10-Gallon-Tank
Stanton, L. 22 Best Fish for a 10-Gallon Tank (and How Many can You Fit?). 2021. https://www.itsafishthing.com/best-fish-for-ten-gallon-tank/
Pierre. Can You Keep One Angelfish In A 10-Gallon Tank? https://waterworldcraze.com/can-you-keep-one-angelfish-in-a-10-gallon-tank/
