Altum Angels

[Rayong]

Hi to all bro n sis here pls advise i m setting a 3ftX1.5ftX 2ft tank for Altum Angels what things must i have to keep them ?

[sTefaniA]

one thing you need is a bigger tank, in my opinion
altums are big fish, and they should be kept with 5, 6 together

altums can get 12" in height
you need a tank of 30" high and about 4ft long

this are not easy fish and cannot be compared with regular angels
they are a lot more sensitive since it is almost impossible to breed them, so you will always get wild caught fish

decorate the tank with a lot of wood to mimic their natural environment, plant some big swordplants also

ph of 5 to 6 is good for altums, make the water warm 82-86°F with little nitrates and slow current

[barmby]

sTefaniA is correct. Also, good aeration is needed. Although ph 5- 6 is good for altums, once they are aclimatize, they are pretty hardy.

A school of 5-6 is a minimum number to begin. As they mature, they become sexually active and will be more fierce. Therefore, a school of five will even/sort out the aggression.

[Rayong]

I went to a shop which is still selling Altum Angels he ask me to keep it in a plain tank with out any plants and woods for about 2 months first .

[bossteck]

We're at the tail end of the P. altum season, which typically starts in August, by this time, I would say most of the altums are already very stable and had most likely adjusted to a higher pH (close to 7).

What sTefaniA suggested was a biotope setup, low pH, slow moving water, minimal plants, you can do that if you want, if not, it is still ok, but one thing you must have is a taller and larger tank because altums will eventually outgrow your current tank, in 1 to 2 years.

If I were you, I will hold off until next season, meanwhile, I will either sell off my current tank or set up another more suitable tank, besides, the altums you're seeing now are most likely larger in size and hence more pricey.

[barmby]

Just to share. this is my altum setup. 4 x 2 x 2 feet.


Simple yet meet the objective of ensuring fish survival.

BBA inside, which I don't care

[SCOPE]

Colin, Very Nice setup

[ongjj]

I agree with the tank size being a little too small. They will soon outgrow it. : )

Here's a shot of my tank with 10 altums.

[barmby]

Thank you scope. you are very kind. heh

ongjj, may i know how big is the tank ? other than the feeder (haha)..I think you hit the right note with this setup.

[desmondekker]

is it alright if i keep just one instead of a school of them?

nice setup ongji

[barmby]

One is ok. Do not keep a pair. They will fight each other very hard.

Proof


One is ok. China policy

[ongjj]

The tank size is 6'x2.5'x2.5'. Other than too many tetras, do you think it looks a little crowded?

[barmby]

I think it is perfect if the altum can stop snacking on the tetras.

[desmondekker]

The tank size is 6'x2.5'x2.5'. Other than too many tetras, do you think it looks a little crowded?

nah...not crowded, i like it. am i seeing a HMF?

I think it is perfect if the altum can stop snacking on the tetras.

thanks for the info barmby. u comm them with your plecos?

[barmby]

IMO, pleco and altum is a perfect match haha..

[ongjj]

I think it is perfect if the altum can stop snacking on the tetras.

Actually that is the opposite of what I wish to happen.

[QUOTE=desmondekker;505656]nah...not crowded, i like it. am i seeing a HMF?

Sorry, what's a HMF?

[desmondekker]

[quote=ongjj;505665]Actually that is the opposite of what I wish to happen.

nah...not crowded, i like it. am i seeing a HMF?

Sorry, what's a HMF?

hamburg matten filter. must be a sump then.

[desmondekker]

IMO, pleco and altum is a perfect match haha..

thanks for the assurance. shall start hunting for one next season. cheers!

[ongjj]

hamburg matten filter. must be a sump then.

oh, no, just a sump, with ceramic rings and a piece of wool only.

[desmondekker]

hi, one more question from the problem kid, are altum angels nocturnal? i've bought an angel fish in this 'off season' recently which i ID as altum. this fellow really eat a lot! i'm afraid my plecos are not getting enough food in the night. so if they are less active at night then i am just paranoid. cheers!