Suitable tank size for Altum Angels

[Wackytpt]

Currently in the midst of setting up a new tank.

The tank size I am getting is a 3x1.5x1.8ft tank.

Is it suitable for altums?

How many altums can I rear in it. Currently got 2 Pterophyllym Leopoldi (long nose altums) in my old tank.

Thanks

[AngelAddick]

Hi there bro,
Pardon me for asking but what are long-nosed altums? Would that be Pterophyllum altum or Pterophyllym leopoldi? The former is the acknowledged altum, the latter is the long-nosed.

Thanks, Phil

[Wackytpt]

Hi Phil,

Nice to see you in AQ. I believe we chatted before in AF.

I am still looking for more Pterophyllym leopoldi. But can't seems to find them.

Maybe I will just add in altum angels then.

[StanChung]

Hi Nicholas,
As a grow out juvenile tank it's big enough till they're 6-7 inch tall.

I you want to keep them till they're adults, a 28- inch height tank is minimum and 48" height is perfect. Most experts also say it's not suitable for anything below 90G/340liter. HTH.

[Wackytpt]

Hi,

What do you suggest?

I just keep the remaining 2 pieces.(can't give up them as they are a gift from someone) or can I add in more?

[StanChung]

Er... I have space in my tank. Thanks for offering!

Seriously you can keep them or add 4 more but you have to be prepared to get a much larger tank for them. Height is important or your Altums will dragging their pelvic fins!

They reach 8in height in a year. Faster if you keep them like discus.[power meals!] But I was told not to because fin development is slower than bulk and the altum will look like mini body builder instead of elegant swan.

[AngelAddick]

Bro Nicholas,
Good to see you here. This is a wonderful site, wish I'd known about it earlier, but better late than never.

Sorry for the mis-spelling, you have Pterophyllum Leopoldi, once known as Pterophyllum Dumerilii, the long-nosed ANGELS. I believe the term "altum" is reserved for Pterophyllum Altum, which Bro Stan Chung is quite an expert at.

If you are looking for more long-nosed angels, last week my friend Stan from Jurong bought two pieces from Fish Haven at Telok Blangah. He was there when the shipment arrived, he'd been in touch with Dave at Fish Haven who told him about the shipment. Why not go there and have a look?

From my own experience with a 3ft tank, i am now convinced even with normal Scalares, best not to keep more than 4-5 adult pieces in there. I have a 2ft x 18 inch tank, with 5 pieces of Zebra adults (long-finned) and they are suffering from cramp surroundings already. It's harder to gauge when they are young and small, but angels do grow up to a big size, and quite fast too.

I would think two more pieces of long-nosed for your 3ft tank would suffice. You will have a beautiful tank and elegant angels. I would complement the tank with a school small fish but not too many pieces.

Cheers,
Phil

[AngelAddick]

Bro Stan Chung,
Are you the same Stan Chung from KL who has posted at finarama.com? I was reading all your posting until i kena blocked by the site admin there. Apparently, they were getting heaps from spam from this region and started blocking all addressed from here.

Was enjoying reading about your project to be the first Malaysian altum breeder... how is that project going? Your mastery of water parameters is commendable. Hope your project is successful.

Cheers,
Phil

[StanChung]

Hi Angel,

The one and the same. Just learning about this angel, can't be considered expert... yet! Till I breed the fellas. !!!
Apparently some dude in Kedah has beat me to it! Dang! Still looking for proof though.

Well, I'll be happy to post future updates on my altums in Finarama. Right now not much to post except that the fellas haven't paired up yet.
Interestingly as they mature, other than the freckles appearing, the back semicircle of the eye turns red as well. I can see this in 3 of my 7 fish.
[2 died long story!]

[Wackytpt]

If you are looking for more long-nosed angels, last week my friend Stan from Jurong bought two pieces from Fish Haven at Telok Blangah. He was there when the shipment arrived, he'd been in touch with Dave at Fish Haven who told him about the shipment. Why not go there and have a look?

Could you help me check with your friend how is are the fishes?

I intend to get 2 more..

[AngelAddick]

Hey Stan,
Saya datang dari Malaysia juga. But been here in Singapura for a long time. The problem with here and Malaysia has been documentation. Thos experts are finarama are amazing with their dedication to angels, especially altums.

I wonder how angels will do in Malaysian waters, especially in clear ponds at the headwaters of our rivers... will the conditions be the same? Obviously if intorduced now, they will be free food for the existing water life there. It's a thought...

I have been thinking about altums; why they don't breed etc. I reckon if the conditions can be replicated in a large concrete tank, preferably outdoors, minimal disturbance, higher acidity... then perhaps it can work.

How did you find out about the guy from Kedah? Also, what's the trade like in Malaysia for angels? Who brings in the altums and long-nosed and other wild caught ones? What kind of prices are they selling them for in Malaysia?

I bought some black angels (scalares) in Malacca but the supply is erratic. Quality also erratic. Apparently bred in KL, the good ones the body shape is solid, and the fins are long. But they are more skittish than the normal ones.

Good to meet you here.

Cheers,
Phil

Could you help me check with your friend how is are the fishes?

I intend to get 2 more..

Just checked with him; says his angels are doing well. i quote: "My angels are ok, showing more color and feeding well."

I think you should pay Fish Haven a visit soon, or maybe call them first to see if they have any pieces left.

Cheers,
Phil

[Wackytpt]

Could you email the price your friend paid for them?

[Wackytpt]

those interested in the angels should go down. There are pretty stable and reasonable priced.

Gotten 2 pieces for my tank

[mervin]

I used to have a 5ftx 2ft x 2ft and had 6 Altums in it and yet I personally feel that that tank is still too small.......