New 28 gal for Angels?

Question

I have a new 28 gal. tank that I'd like to put angelfish in. I would like to have a pair, but I'm afraid of accidentally ending up with 2 males. Is it a good idea to get two at a time? Also, I would like to have some neon rainbows or dwarf gauramis, would it be best to get the angels first or the others? I also used to have a mystery snail and loved it. Would it be appropriate to add one to this combo of fish? Thanks! (any extra info about these fish is appreciated).

Answer 1

The ideal situation for you is to get about 6 young angels through a privately owned pet store with the agreement that you'll keep the first two to pair up and return the other angels towards the purchase of the other species ("chain" pet stores usually won't let you do this).

A 28 gallon is about the limit for one pair, but until they actually are ready to spawn, you won't be able to identify the genders. In a group of 6, you're practically guaranteed to have at least one of each, and from there, let the fish sort themselves out.

The dwarf gouramis should be able to stand up to the angels, but the rainbows may be picked on as the angels mature and decide to spawn - it might be a better choice to eliminate these, especially since you have a relatively small tank (for keeping angels) and rainbowfish should be in a group of at least 3, with 6 being preferable. Be sure if you keep all these together you have plenty of plants and other places where the others can hide if necessary.

I think with the gender uncertainty, it's almost necessary to get the angels first, so you let let them pair up. If you want to attempt them, I'd add the rainbows next, because these would be the least aggressive of the fish. It may be necessary to remove the angels for a while if they become territorial right after you add the rainbows, but if the angels are still small, you may only need to remove them for about half an hour and do some rearranging of the decor to destroy any established "territory". Add the rainbows and let them get the lay of the tank before putting the angels back. To them, it will seem like a "new tank" so it will take them a while to set up their new territory and the rainbows will have already learned where they can go for safety. Still, I'd keep a close eye out for aggression and be ready to separate them if necessary.

Answer 2

Well not sure about eh combo, but i do know that the people at the pet store should be able to tell which are male and which are female, just ask them. also snails are ok with just about any fish, i have had them with goldfish, tetras, platys, mollys, angel fish, baby sharks, catfish, garamis i think i have.

Answer 3

dont forget to cycle your tank. introduce your fish one at a time, or get a few tetras to help you cycle. as far as angelfish, i have no experience with them.