A 55-gallon tank can house six angelfish. 55 gallon tanks provide enough room for six angelfish to swim around comfortably. Be sure to monitor your angelfish for signs of aggression and territorial behavior.
A single angelfish needs a 29 gallon tank to thrive. Each angelfish added after that will require an additional ten gallons of tank space per fish; the more angelfish added, the bigger the tank needs to be.
How Many Angelfish Can Live In A 55 Gallon Tank?
Juvenile angelfish will thrive in a 55-gallon tank if they number six or less. However, angelfish grows fast, and by the time they reach four inches, they may start to show signs of territorial behavior and could need to be separated.
Angelfish that grew up together tend to be more tolerant of one another. A pair may accept another individual or breeding pair to share their tank.
Always keep an eye on behavioral changes, especially at breeding time. If the angelfish start chasing other tankmates, put the pair in a separate tank.
You can keep two or more angelfish a 55-gallon tank, provided the tank contains enough plants, driftwood, and ornaments to separate territories. You can even keep two breeding pairs in a 55-gallon tank, depending on the nature of the pairs and if they get along.
Angelfish present gangster attitudes at the time of breeding, with males becoming aggressive towards each other in search of a suitable female, and they will be highly territorial. A breeding pair will protect their eggs and fry with vigor, fighting tank mates who may be looking for an easy meal.
Can You Keep One Angelfish In A 55-Gallon Tank?
Single angelfish does very well on their own and in a community tank. Being the only angelfish will lead to a calm, docile fish that lives in peace with its tank mates since there is no need to fight for territory, food, or in the case of a male, a breeding partner.
In general, angelfish will flourish on their own if they have enough swimming space and their tank is filled with plants and driftwood. However, even though they will be fine alone, it is not natural for fish seeking mates to be kept in solidarity. They are social fish; they will be happier with the company.
If you have a big enough tank, consider keeping five to six angelfish as a group since they are shoaling fish, and they will make a pretty display in their own tank.
The Correct Tank Conditions For Angelfish
Angelfish grow to be quite large, and they need enough space to accommodate their unique build. You can keep single angelfish in a 20-gallon tank, but the moment you add another, move them to a 55-gallon tank.
Angelfish fare better in taller rather than shallower tanks. The reason is that the taller tanks accommodate their body shape better. In addition, angelfish need clean slow-moving water, broad-leaf plants, fine to a medium smooth substrate, and driftwood that resembles their natural habitat.
Angelfish prefer to lay their eggs on plant leaves, and adding amazon spears to their tank will provide them with a place to attach their eggs and keep them safe.
The ideal water conditions to keep angelfish healthy and happy are at a temperature between seventy-eight- and eighty-four degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, pH levels should be between 6.8 and 7.8, and the hardness of the water between three and eight degrees dKH.
The Best Tank Mates For Angelfish
Despite their name, angelfish do not play nice with other fish and may attack and eat any fish they can get inside their mouths.
In addition, angelfish are territorial and will bully tankmates who come too close or are considered a threat. It is, therefore, essential to choose their tank friends very well.
Since angelfish tend to be aggressive towards others, it is crucial to consider fish that will make for good tankmates when setting up a community tank.
Research has identified the following fish as being good tank mates for angelfish.
Tetras Are Great Angelfish Tank Mates
Keep in mind that the tetra fish you keep with the angelfish should be large enough so that the angelfish will not feed on them. Remember that angelfish grow pretty large, and you should not add tiny tetras to a tank containing fully grown angelfish. Tetras that are two inches should do fine.
Hatchet Fish Are Excellent Angelfish Tank Mates
Hatchet fish are top dwellers, meaning they prefer to swim and feed in the tank’s upper levels and have relaxed personalities.
Platies Are Colorful And Great Fish To Keep With Angelfish
Platies add color and vibrance to a community tank, and angelfish tend to leave them alone and in peace.
Gurami’s Are Great Tank Mates For Angelfish
Honey and pearl gouramis, with their laid-back personalities, are great additions to tanks containing angelfish. However, refrain from adding the more aggressive gouramis, such as the blue and gold variety, as they may pick fights with the angelfish.
Cichlids Are Great To Put With Angelfish
The red spot gold severum is a fitting example of a cichlid that makes great tank mates for angelfish.
Red-spotted gold severums are beautiful and brightly colored fish that does very well in a tank containing angelfish.
Cory’s Are Great Angelfish Friends
The silly-looking cory is a bottom dweller. You can successfully keep up to six in a fifty-five-gallon tank alongside angelfish. They are friendly, laid-back fish that fares very well in community tanks.
Reasons To Add Friends To Angelfish Tanks
Angelfish are not highly active, and they enjoy calm waters and often hang around looking pretty. An angelfish-only tank is lovely if you prefer a more peaceful and tranquil fish tank.
Adding more active and vibrantly colored tank friends will liven up the tank and keep things interesting. Some fish prefer to use the top part of the tank, while others prefer the middle or bottom part.
Proper substrate, plants, and driftwood added to the tank will make the fish feel safe and provide hiding, resting, and spawning place.
Conclusion
Angelfish are gracious, beautiful, and easy to keep, providing their living conditions meet all the requirements. It’s possible to keep six angelfish in a 55-gallon tan. Just be sure to monitor their behavior for any signs of aggression towards their each other.