Can I put 2 angelfish in a 10 gallon?

Answered by Tom Adger

Can I put 2 angelfish in a 10 gallon tank? This is a question that many beginners may ask when considering what fish to put in their aquarium. While it may seem tempting to have a pair of these elegant and graceful fish in a small tank, it is not recommended.

Angelfish are known for their tall, triangular bodies and long, flowing fins. They can grow to be quite large, reaching sizes of 6 inches or more. In a 10-gallon tank, this would be extremely cramped quarters for a single angelfish, let alone two.

Angelfish are also known to be territorial and can become aggressive towards each other, especially when they are in close quarters. In a small tank like a 10-gallon, there would not be enough space for the fish to establish their own territories and conflicts could arise.

In addition to their size and territorial nature, angelfish are also known to produce a significant amount of waste. A 10-gallon tank would not have the capacity to handle the bioload of two angelfish, leading to poor water quality and potential health issues for the fish.

It’s important to remember that fish, like any other living creature, have specific needs and requirements in order to thrive. Providing them with the appropriate space, water conditions, and companions is crucial for their well-being.

So, while it may be tempting to have a pair of angelfish in a 10-gallon tank, it is not recommended due to their size, territorial nature, and waste production. It’s always best to research the specific requirements of any fish species before adding them to your tank.

If you are interested in keeping angelfish, it is recommended to provide them with a larger tank, ideally 30 gallons or more, to ensure they have enough space to swim and establish their territories. It’s also important to research compatible tankmates that will not only coexist peacefully with the angelfish but also have similar water parameter requirements.

Some suitable tankmates for angelfish could include peaceful community fish such as tetras, gouramis, and livebearers. It’s important to choose fish that are similar in size and temperament to ensure a harmonious tank environment.

While angelfish are beautiful and fascinating fish, they are not suitable for a 10-gallon tank. Their adult size, territorial nature, and waste production make it necessary to provide them with a larger tank and suitable tankmates to ensure their well-being.