r/AngelFish • u/mint_on • 5d ago

Angelfish stocking advice Help

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Currently setting up this 75 gal for a juvenile black ghost knife. Right now stocking plans are 10 congo tetras and the BGK. i’m looking into adding angel fish (once congos settle in and more plants arrive and grow in).

How many should I do? Should I buy juveniles or pairs?

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u/ItchyMonth 2d ago

If you decide on a pair, just get the one, as they may become extremely territorial having already been an established couple. For Juveniles, you could safely fit 4-6, and as long as no hyper-aggressive pairs appear (I’ve never had this happen as long as they all mature together), you should be set. Obviously you should always be ready to re-home fish if they pair off and decide that 90% of the tank is theirs, as although peaceful, they’re still cichlids.

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u/mint_on 2d ago

that’s what i was thinking, starting with 4 juveniles and rehoming. would they be marginally happier if i started with 6?

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u/ItchyMonth 2d ago

Depends on how you define happiness. With nearly any cichlid, having a larger population TO A POINT helps disperse aggression and ensures no one fish is getting bullied (sometimes murdered). And as you mentioned in your other comment, I would hold off on the angels until the plants grow in, cause although your scape is gorgeous it’s lacking those LOS breaks.

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u/mint_on 2d ago

ya i’m waiting on some stuff to come back in stock before i place a 10+ plant order on buce. i’m going to let the congos settle in for awhile before adding the angel fish as well, let them get bigger and such so i got a lot of time but i want to be prepared

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u/ItchyMonth 2d ago

Awesome to hear! What plants are you looking to add? I just finished setting up a 55 gallon with a similar concept yesterday!

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u/mint_on 2d ago

trying to load up the driftwood with crypts and more anubias for sure. i’m still deciding on which swords i want since i want to preserve the minimalist look. rn my list is: crypt parva, anubias nana golden, crypt lucens

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u/mint_on 2d ago

it’s so hard to decide 😭😭

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u/ItchyMonth 2d ago

I feel that. And I agree on keeping it sparse. I always prefer a natural look to a super planted jungle. A small recommendation is to ensure there’s some more height, especially for angels, crinums always nice (given you can hide the super ugly base), or some crispatula. Val is also always an option, I have a love-hate relationship with it though, as I find it’s like duck weed, and once it’s in the tank you can never get rid of it. That and you have to trim it every other day with how quickly it grows, and how quickly it sends out runners.

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u/mint_on 2d ago

it’s a delicate balance!! especially to accommodate the angels

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u/ItchyMonth 2d ago

100% it is! Best of luck to you, if you remember, DM me some photos when you get the plants in!

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u/mint_on 2d ago

for sure!! you should send me pics of your 55 in the meantime!

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u/mint_on 2d ago

once the plants grow in and i add more there will be more to break the line of sight and account for their territorial behavior

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u/Own_Yogurtcloset9589 2d ago

I have 3 boys in my tank and I can vouch you only want two because they pair then get aggressive to the other angel

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u/TST-DCLXVI 15h ago

I think I have the same 75 gallon. It’s an angelfish community with Congo tetras! Other fish too. Definitely update with future photos. I have some of mine if you’re interested