In this article, we will answer the question “What is the ideal size for an Angelfish tank?”. We will also discuss the main characteristics we should consider when choosing a tank for Angelfish.
What is the ideal size for an Angelfish tank?
The minimum tank size for an Angelfish is 20 gallons. However, the ideal tank size the always a larger one. This is because a tank will never be too big for a fish. Because angelfish are so well recognized, they’re a very popular pet.
Beginner aquarists can even believe in a popular myth that 5 or 10-gallon tanks are big enough to house an Angelfish. However, this is not true. It is necessary for at least a 20-gallon tank to house a single Angelfish, and another 10 to 15 gallons for each additional Angelfish. Thus, a pair of Angelfish should be placed in a minimum tank size of 30 to 40 gallons.
You should consider the Angelfish size and shape
Angelfish usually grow on average 6 inches long and 10 inches tall. Additionally to their body, they also have long fins. The exceptional body shape and long fins require plenty of space to occupy and swim freely around the tank.
These fish prefer taller tanks to wider ones. Tall tanks will provide plenty of space for them to swim without getting stuck in the decorations and plants. Thus, taller tanks make the Angelfish tank safer for the fish.
In addition, Angelfish enjoy having lots of plants in the tank, as they are original to heavily-vegetated environments. However, they usually get aggressive in crowded tanks. For this reason, it is important to choose the right tank size for these fish.
How many Angelfish can be in a tank?
Keeping Angelfish groups are more challenging than most people think. They require more attention regarding their aggressive behaviour and close observation to be kept healthy and happy.
Usually, Angelfish choose another individual to pair up with during adulthood. Thus, the general recommendation is to keep a small group of a maximum of 4-6 individuals while they are juvenile but less when they reach adulthood. This is because they can become quite aggressive towards each other after being paired due to territorialism and competition.
Keeping them in groups while juveniles make it easier for them to choose a pair. However, this is only possible when you plan on having more than one Angelfish tank. Thus, keeping a small group of Angelfish will also require some planning.
One manner to avoid this situation is to go to a respectable fish seller or fish store and ask for an Angelfish pair. This is very significant once many people choose the fish according to how they look. In this case, it is fundamental to get two Angelfish that combine and get along. If they do not get along very well, they will get progressively more violent towards each other, which could provoke injuries and stress.
Keeping more than two Angelfish can be achievable, however, you will be required to have a very large tank and a lot of skills so you will know how to deal with potential problems. If you have a big tank and consider adding a group of Angelfish, be aware the tank need to be severely planted with plenty of hiding spots.
Larger groups of Angelfish tend to become more aggressive and territorial towards one another. When they are kept in groups, Angelfish develop a hierarchy, with one leader and the others falling in line behind it. Angelfish tend to fight for their territory but may also fight if they feel threatened.
Another factor to keep in mind about having a group of Angelfish is that you will probably end up with a breeding pair. They also get quite aggressive when defending their eggs and while taking care of their offspring for around two months.
What is the Angelfish ideal tank?
A good tank size to keep a pair of Angelfish is a 40-gallon tank. This tank size will allow them to swim freely through the tank. Also, it is important to remember that Angelfish prefer taller tanks to wider ones. Below are some other tank specifications which are also important in an Angelfish tank:
Substrate
In the wild, Angelfish occupy areas with a sandy bottom in the Amazon river basin. Thus, sand will assist you in mimicking the Angelfish natural habitat in a tank. If you do not have enough experience with a sandy substrate, you can opt for gravel. It is easier to clean in comparison to sand.
Plants
Angelfish occupy inundated woodlands in their natural environments, where they swim across a diversity of tall plants. This vegetation provides them hiding spots, and also structures where the fish can lay their eggs.
In a tank, you will try to mimic this natural environment by placing a variety of plants and organizing them to leave swim areas in the front and middle sections of the tank.
A nice variety to keep in an Angelfish tank is the Amazon sword. This plant reaches 12 to 20 inches long under ideal lighting conditions. The Amazon sword leaves can be used by the Angelfish to lay eggs.
Java fern is also another plant variety you can choose for an Angelfish tank. It is a hard slow-growing plant that can resist fish attacks quite well. This plant has a bright green colouration which usually gives a nice contrast with the fish colours.
Vallisneria is a low-maintenance plant. It thrives well in Angelfish tanks and gives it a very nice natural appearance. Anubias can also be used in Angelfish tanks. This can be used in good numbers, as they are short plants and will not impede the Angelfish from swimming around.
Décors
There are several décors structures that can be used in Angelfish tanks, such as large rocks. You can use these rocks to build caves and other hiding spots for your Angelfish. However, you must avoid any sharp edges that could easily hurt the fish long fins.
Woody structures are also very common in Angelfish tanks. The most common ones are driftwood, Mopani wood, and bogwood.
It is very important to use decorations that do not release any chemicals into the water, as they could be harmful to the Angelfish.
Water parameters
An Angelfish tank should follow some water parameters. Temperatures should range between 75 and 82 °F and pH between 6.8 and 7. The water hardness should be preferably between 5-18 dH.
Angelfish are not very good swimmers. Thus, fast-moving water can difficult their locomotion and cause stress. Choose gentle filtration systems that will allow your Angelfish to swim.
A 10 to 20 % in volume of water should be changed at least once a week to keep the quality of the water and chemical at low levels. You also need to use a siphon to remove any debris from the bottom of the tank.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “What is the ideal size for an Angelfish tank?”. We also discussed the main characteristics we should consider when choosing a tank for Angelfish.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What is the ideal size for an Angelfish tank?
What tank size is good for two Angelfish?
Two Angelfish should be housed in a tank with at least 40 gallons of space. In this tank, you can also place some Corydoras to help you with tank cleaning. However, to keep a pair of Angelfish in a more complex community tank, you will need at least 55 gallons of space.
Can an Angelfish live in a 5-gallon tank?
No, Angelfish are quite large fish that require at least a 20-gallon tank. Otherwise, it may become stressed and ill.
How many Angelfish can you keep together?
Many people opt for keeping small groups of 4 to 6 Angelfish. However, this should only occur in large tanks while the Angelfish are still juvenile. After reaching adulthood, Angelfish can get quite aggressive towards each other if there is not plenty of space for them to establish their territory. However, the minimum Angelfish number is two, as they pair up when adults.
What is the tank size ideal for four Angelfish?
To keep four Angelfish, the minimum tank size would be an 80-gallon tank. However, the larger the tank, the better for the fish.
How many Angelfish can I keep in a 30-gallon tank?
A 30-gallon tank is appropriate for only two Angelfish. Otherwise, they can become aggressive and stressed.
How long is the Angelfish lifespan?
Angelfish lifespan is around 10 to 12 years. However, water and tank conditions will easily impact this length for better and for worse.
References
What Size Tank for Angelfish – How Many Angelfish in a Tank? 2020.https://aquariumadviser.com/what-size-tank-for-angelfish/
Fabian. 2020. Best Tank Size for Angelfish. https://www.aquariumnexus.com/angelfish-best-tank-size/
