I am getting angelfish and cory cats for my 30 gal. and I was wondering, should I buy the cory cats or angelfish first?
2006-12-21 00:07:49 · 8 answers · asked by Smooth as butter on a kitten! 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
First, make sure your tank is cycled :) Good "Fishtank Nitrogen Cycle" - it is a vital step, and if it is overlooked, it can result in the death/illness of your fish.
Anyway, angelfish are not particularly difficult to care for. First, though, determine whether your 30 gallon tank is a 30 gallon "long" or "tall". Angelfish are TALL (they can be 5" tall, without counting their long fins) and they need a lot of room for swimming. A 30 gallon "long" would not be a good home for fish.
A 30 gallon normal is 30"W x 12"D x 18"H
A 30 gallon long is 36"W x 18"D x 12"H
So you want to make sure that your tank is at least 18" high to accomodate angelfish.
Anyway, you should probably put the corydoras in first, because they are smaller and will be less of a strain on the unaccustomed biological system of your tank. Get 3 corydoras (once your tank is cycled), then the next week get 3 more corydoras, then get your angelfish.
Also, angelfish are not schoolers per se, but they enjoy each others' company. 30 gallons is not big enough for a nice big group of angels, but it IS big enough for a breeding pair. I suggest you start off with a group of young (quarter-sized bodies) angelfish. Eventually, two will pair off. Keep those, and sell the rest. The pair will lay eggs every 2-3 weeks once they start spawning, and you can raise the babies or let the parents do it.
2006-12-21 02:43:03 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
angelfish are harder to take care of. they are for someone who is more experienced in fish care.
Cory cats are bottom cleaners. They should have something to clean up after.
Got any other ideas of what to put in there besides the angel fish and cory?
You can possibly start with something else to cycle the tank.
2006-12-21 08:10:04 · answer #2 · answered by enyates2002 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have you cycled the tank yet?
That means getting the biofilter bacteria in place that convert ammonia to less toxic nitrAte.
If not, you should fishless cycle the tank. Here's how:
http://thegab.org/Articles/FishlessCycling.html
After the tank is cycled, you should be able to add a full fish load. a couple of angels and several cories. you'll want to make sure you don't overstock the tank.
2006-12-21 15:13:22 · answer #3 · answered by Betty H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, You need to ascertain that your water levels such as PH, ammonia, are in good order. I would suggest to you that you start the tank off with your cory cats, then add some inexpensive fish before you add your angels. Angels need to be in an established water base prior to just placing them in as it would be a shock to their system. They are not the easiest to take care of.. good luck
2006-12-21 08:49:18 · answer #4 · answered by punxsyparty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would start with the angel fish, just because they are harder to start with, so it might take a bit longer than normal for them to get acclimated to the water. Good luck.
2006-12-21 13:01:55 · answer #5 · answered by Flames Fan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get the cats first...The Angels, I have had some in the past, can get a bit bad tempered. :)
2006-12-21 08:16:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should buy the cheaper fish first.
2006-12-21 08:35:55 · answer #7 · answered by Ryaи 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the corycats. i like them
2006-12-21 08:09:41 · answer #8 · answered by Cavegirl948 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋