Longevity of dwarf angels in nanos

Umbriel · 07/24/2009, 07:04 PM

I posted this is the nano forum, but there wasn't really much response, so I thought I would try it in a more general space. I hope that's okay; I don't post too often and I don't want to break any rules.

I'm looking into getting a BC29 right now and I wanted to ask what the forum's personal opinion is on the minimum size for the bulk of centropyge angels. I'm aware that most sites like LiveAquaria and BlueZoo say that 20/30 gallons will suffice for most;I'm interested in the coral beauty, flame, or rusty angels (just one), and they seem to "fit" in this range. However, other places say that won't do, such as wetwebmedia:

Size of system: Often touted as a species and group as desirable on the merits of being able to be crammed into small (thirty and less gallons!) quarters, I advise against it. Individuals vary tremendously in their tolerance of tankmates. Close observation and quick reaction to overt aggressive behavior is the rule, even in very large aquaria. Chasing and nipping, especially other dwarf angels, particularly of the same size and/or species, is to be expected; being torn and cowered is to be avoided. Provide lots of caves, hiding, escape-sites... A minimum of seventy five uncrowded gallons is required for keeping this small angel happy and healthy. Larger is of course better.

In short, what is the consensus on centropyge angels in nanos such as a BC29? Are they big enough to keep one happy and healthy or do they need a substantially larger system? I just want to know before I do something I'll regret or be chastised for.

Thanks to anyone who can provide any advice and/or personal experiences.

mfinn · 07/24/2009, 07:22 PM

I would think they need a larger system. IMO a 29 is just way too small.

Misled · 07/24/2009, 07:23 PM

IMO I wouldn't put one in anything smaller than a 55. Even being "dwarfs" they can get a bit large for a 30 gal long. I had a 4" coral beauty in a 90 and he was still fairly mean to smaller fish.

Umbriel · 07/24/2009, 07:30 PM

This is what I was thinking. I've seen people with them in smaller tanks but wondered about it.

I was considering setting up an aggressive nano, but perhaps it wouldn't be a good idea to include a dwarf angel.

mfinn · 07/24/2009, 07:34 PM

Dwarf angels are a very active fish. They do need room to move.

pimpinitup6969 · 07/24/2009, 08:01 PM

A nano is simply wayy too small.... if your gonna do a nano why not try a Peacock Mantis? or some type of dwarf angler?

romsoccer12 · 07/24/2009, 09:00 PM

a nano is to small for a peacock and in long term you would have to upgrade. i would think a 30gallon long would be good for a dwarf angel if it was just one fish and maybe 1 other.

cubsFAN · 07/24/2009, 10:00 PM

maybe c argi or c acanthops if its not stuffed w live rock. what are the dimensions? i have a african flameback in my 40 with a 6 line. proably have to live alone though. jmo.

cubsFAN · 07/24/2009, 10:02 PM

oh ya. 2 in a row. here we come.
LETS GO CUBBIES!!!

07/24/2009, 07:04 PM	#1
Umbriel Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northern CT Posts: 202	Longevity of dwarf angels in nanos I posted this is the nano forum, but there wasn't really much response, so I thought I would try it in a more general space. I hope that's okay; I don't post too often and I don't want to break any rules. I'm looking into getting a BC29 right now and I wanted to ask what the forum's personal opinion is on the minimum size for the bulk of centropyge angels. I'm aware that most sites like LiveAquaria and BlueZoo say that 20/30 gallons will suffice for most;I'm interested in the coral beauty, flame, or rusty angels (just one), and they seem to "fit" in this range. However, other places say that won't do, such as wetwebmedia: Size of system: Often touted as a species and group as desirable on the merits of being able to be crammed into small (thirty and less gallons!) quarters, I advise against it. Individuals vary tremendously in their tolerance of tankmates. Close observation and quick reaction to overt aggressive behavior is the rule, even in very large aquaria. Chasing and nipping, especially other dwarf angels, particularly of the same size and/or species, is to be expected; being torn and cowered is to be avoided. Provide lots of caves, hiding, escape-sites... A minimum of seventy five uncrowded gallons is required for keeping this small angel happy and healthy. Larger is of course better. In short, what is the consensus on centropyge angels in nanos such as a BC29? Are they big enough to keep one happy and healthy or do they need a substantially larger system? I just want to know before I do something I'll regret or be chastised for. Thanks to anyone who can provide any advice and/or personal experiences.

07/24/2009, 07:22 PM	#2
mfinn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Olympia. WA. Posts: 8,648	I would think they need a larger system. IMO a 29 is just way too small. __________________ 240 gallon soft coral tank 50 gallon lps tank

07/24/2009, 07:23 PM	#3
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	IMO I wouldn't put one in anything smaller than a 55. Even being "dwarfs" they can get a bit large for a 30 gal long. I had a 4" coral beauty in a 90 and he was still fairly mean to smaller fish. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

07/24/2009, 07:34 PM	#5
mfinn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Olympia. WA. Posts: 8,648	Dwarf angels are a very active fish. They do need room to move. __________________ 240 gallon soft coral tank 50 gallon lps tank

07/24/2009, 08:01 PM	#6
pimpinitup6969 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Elmira, Ny Posts: 2,503	A nano is simply wayy too small.... if your gonna do a nano why not try a Peacock Mantis? or some type of dwarf angler? __________________ I'd rather burp and taste it than fart and waste it! Current Tank Info: 125 Gallon, 150 Gallon

07/24/2009, 07:30 PM	#4
Umbriel Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northern CT Posts: 202	This is what I was thinking. I've seen people with them in smaller tanks but wondered about it. I was considering setting up an aggressive nano, but perhaps it wouldn't be a good idea to include a dwarf angel.

07/24/2009, 09:00 PM	#7
romsoccer12 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: ohio Posts: 2,625	a nano is to small for a peacock and in long term you would have to upgrade. i would think a 30gallon long would be good for a dwarf angel if it was just one fish and maybe 1 other. __________________ Colin R Current Tank Info: 3rd tank working fine!(29gal oceanic biocube) 5-6months old

07/24/2009, 10:00 PM	#8
cubsFAN Moved On Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Lake Tahoe Posts: 1,550	maybe c argi or c acanthops if its not stuffed w live rock. what are the dimensions? i have a african flameback in my 40 with a 6 line. proably have to live alone though. jmo.

07/24/2009, 10:02 PM	#9
cubsFAN Moved On Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Lake Tahoe Posts: 1,550	oh ya. 2 in a row. here we come. LETS GO CUBBIES!!!