Angel fishAngelfish are very unique fishes. They are one of the more fragile ones that you might find in your aquarium simply because they have long, delicate fins that signify the gentleness that they require. So here are a few tips for taking care of an angelfish.

Aquarium Size

We start with the aquarium size. This is relatively unimportant but you have to note that with the number of angelfish, the number of gallons will be different. Here is a table that will show you how many angelfishes should be per gallon, with regard to the sizes that they already are in.

  • Nickel size bodies: 1 angelfish per gallon
  • Quarter size bodies: 1 angelfish per 2 gallons
  • Silver dollar size bodies: 1 angelfish per 3 gallons
  • Stock ready to be paired: 1 angelfish per 5 gallons
  • Full grown breeding pair: 20 gallon tall

You also have to take into account the other factors such as the pH, the feeding practices, the water changing volume and frequency, the strain of the fishes being kept and the overall temperature.

Aquarium Filter

One should also find a very efficient and effective biological filtration system. The Angelfish is not necessarily shaped for efficient swimming. Therefore gentle aquarium filtration is much preferred so that there will be less water movement that will stress them and slow down their growth. This is connected to slower growth because the bigger part of their energy will be wasted in expending it to maintain swimming against a current.

There are a lot of choices for the angelfish-lover as they can choose from Angels Plus Sponge filters or undergravel ones. An effective secondary filter could be an undersized canister which will not clog. In order to help out with the aquarium’s filtration system, you should change the water more often in order to control the bacterial levels of the water.

Aquarium Temperature

Along with the filtration system in the aquarium, you should also consider the temperature of the water that you are holding in the aquarium. It is understood that you should be mindful of the aquarium temperature of fishes but with regard to the Angelfish, their immune system is able to stand up quite nicely against the higher temperatures. Because the Angelfish is a cold-blooded animal, it will certainly live longer at lower temperatures.

The higher temperatures will definitely encourage faster growth, a better immune system response, shorter life spans and more frequent breeding. A good temperature to start with is 80° F for hatchery situations. If your tank is simply for show, you might want to bring it down to mid to upper seventies. For your more valuable Angelfish, then it would be better for you to invest in an aquarium heater to maintain a much more manageable temperature for your aquarium.

All of these might seem quite a lot to handle but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be breeding and showcasing your aquarium full of Angelfish to your friends and family in no time at all.