How to Care for an Angelfish

When people talk about their pets, chances are they are speaking of a dog or a cat. These animals are usually thought of first because of their relatively easy maintenance and interactivity. Some time ago, a fish was considered pet-worthy only when a child won a goldfish at the local carnival. Today, many types of fish can be found in aquariums in homes all across America. One of the most interesting and easy-to-care-for fish is the Angelfish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Fish tank
• Aquarium gravel
• Piece of slate
• Tank decorations
• Live, broad-leaved aquarium plants
• Aquarium water chemicals

1. Purchase at least a ten gallon tank to start. The rule of thumb to follow is approximately 10 gallons to every adult Angelfish in your tank.
2. Prepare your new tank. Rinse it out thoroughly and do not use any chemicals for this task. Completely rinse any decoration and gravel you intend to place in your tank. Live plants with broad leaves are recommended mainstays for Angelfish habitat.
3. Place your tank in its permanent location and fill it with water. Angelfish are naturally warm water tropical fish and prefer water in the temperature range of 78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, you want your water to be set as close to 80 degrees as possible. Adjust the pH and the "hardness" levels of the water. Angelfish like water that is normally on the slightly acidic to neutral range. You will find chemicals in your local pet store that will alter both the pH levels and the mineral levels in the water.
4. Allow the water to stand for a couple of days before you introduce your Angelfish to the tank. This will allow the water to settle and stabilize as you continually tweak the pH and hardness levels to the optimal range. This also allows time for the filter to clean up any gravel dust or other loose debris that may have been floating around.
5. Purchase your Angelfish from a reputable pet store or a breeder. You will want to set the entire bag of water and your Angelfish (without opening the bag) into the tank. This will allow the water in the bag to become the same temperature as the tank so your new fish is not shocked by the temperature difference.
6. Introduce your new pet to his new home. Enjoy your fish. Your Angelfish will thrive in the conditions outlined here with a good and balanced diet of a variety of foods.
7. Clean your tank regularly. At least once a week, you should remove one half of the tank water and replace it with fresh water, being very careful to match the resident temperature and pH condition. About every 2 to 3 weeks, a complete tank cleaning and full water change is in order. Angelfish need high quality water consistently and constantly in order to thrive.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a flat surfaced object, such as a piece of slate, in the tank to encourage breeding if you would like some Angelfish offspring.
• As your Angelfish matures and grows bigger, it will prey upon smaller fish that you may have in your tank.
• If you are breeding, remember that immature Angelfish will eat their eggs.
• If you do not control your pH level and you have it fluctuate wildly outside of their comfort zone, there is a very good chance that your Angelfish will perish.